Former South African captain Faf du Plessis said that Indian players must be heartbroken following their defeat in the 2023 World Cup final and said it to breaking up with a girlfriend as well. However, India did well in the group stages, dominating and winning all nine games, and beating New Zealand in the semi-final. However, they lost to now-six-time World Champions Australia in the summit clash.
After posting a below-par 240, the Indian team had the Aussies in trouble at 47/3. But a 192-run partnership between Travis Head and Marnus Labuschangne sealed the deal. Australia won by six wickets with seven overs in hand as well. Speaking with NDTV, Faf du Plessis admitted how overcoming a painful loss in a World Cup is a challenge, similar to what South Africa faced in 2015.
“That is a big challenge,” Faf du Plessis said. “I remember going through a similar experience as a cricketer when we went through the highs and lows of the 2015 World Cup. The heartache that you have to deal with takes a bit of time and it is a bit like breaking up with a girlfriend. You cannot just get over it straight away.”
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“India were so amazing in the way they played in this World Cup. They were unbelievable the way they went about their business. They will be feeling in a similar way and they will be heartbroken. That was their World Cup to win.”That will take a bit of time and time heals everything. Your first series back feels like you are in the middle of nowhere. Obviously there are so quality players there and some experience players who I am sure will help manage the young guys well,” Faf du Plessis shared.
India played against Australia in a T20I series at home four days after the World Cup final and completed a 4-1 victory. While both teams had a series of key players rested, India did well and displayed their bench strength with bat and ball as well. Faf du Plessis, however, shared the possibility of him returning to the South African T20I side for the World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and U.S.A.
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Faf du Plessis said: “I believe that I can return to international cricket as well. We have been speaking about this for the last couple of years. It’s just figuring out the balance of the T20 World Cup next year. It’s certainly something we have spoken about with the new coach.”
