It was a night of shattered dreams for India as they lost to Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final, falling short of their ambition to clinch a third World Cup title. Despite their valiant efforts throughout the tournament, the Men in Blue could not overcome the mighty Australians in the final match. After a disappointing first innings where they managed to score only 240 runs, India staged a spirited fightback with the ball.

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami initially put the pressure on the Australians, reducing them to 47/3 in the chase of 241. However, Travis Head’s swashbuckling 137-run innings and Marnus Labuschagne’s composed 57 runs off 109 balls proved too much for India’s bowling attack. The duo stitched together a crucial partnership that drained the life out of India’s hopes of a comeback.

Despite their defeat, the Indian team’s grit and effort did not go unnoticed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the dressing room after the match to offer his support to the players.

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Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja shared a picture of the Prime Minister’s visit on social media, expressing gratitude for his support. “We had a great tournament but we ended up short yesterday. We are all heartbroken but the support of our people is keeping us going. PM @narendramodi’s visit to the dressing room yesterday was special and very motivating,” Jadeja wrote in his post.

We had a great tournament but we ended up short yesterday. We are all heartbroken but the support of our people is keeping us going. PM @narendramodi’s visit to the dressing room yesterday was special and very motivating. pic.twitter.com/q0la2X5wfU

— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) November 20, 2023

Unfortunately yesterday was not our day. I would like to thank all Indians for supporting our team and me throughout the tournament. Thankful to PM @narendramodi for specially coming to the dressing room and raising our spirits. We will bounce back! pic.twitter.com/Aev27mzni5

— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) November 20, 2023

The disappointment was evident among the Indian players, who took to social media to express their thoughts on the loss. Middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer, who had experienced a resurgence in ODI form during the World Cup, shared his heartbreak.

“We’re heartbroken, it still hasn’t sunk in and it won’t for a while. My first World Cup was an experience that has taught me so much and made me grateful for everything that’s come my way. Thank you to the @BCCI, team management, support staff, my teammates and you the fans for your unwavering support,” Shreyas Iyer tweeted.

We’re heartbroken, it still hasn’t sunk in and it won’t for a while. My first World Cup was an experience that has taught me so much and made me grateful for everything that’s come my way. Thank you to the @BCCI, team management, support staff, my teammates and you the fans for… pic.twitter.com/I6GG2VmT1b

— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) November 20, 2023

Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who was not a part of India’s 2019 World Cup campaign, was expected to be brought back into the squad for the final due to his experience against Australia. However, the management decided to stick with the same team that had secured their place in the final.

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Australia’s comprehensive six-wicket victory in the final shattered India’s hopes of lifting the trophy, adding a sixth World Cup title to their cabinet. While India’s dream of a third World Cup title remains unfulfilled, their valiant efforts throughout the tournament will not be forgotten.

Mighty mighty heartbreak last night💔 💔.

Everyone in the team had several days to remember during this campaign👌👌 and special mentions to @imVkohli @MdShami11 @ImRo45 and @Jaspritbumrah93 👏👏.

However I can’t help but applaud the giants of modern day cricket “Australia”.…

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) November 20, 2023