In a recent episode of ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’ on Netflix, Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, along with teammate Shreyas Iyer, delved into the memories of the 2023 ODI World Cup finals, where the Indian team faced a heart-wrenching defeat against Australia in Ahmedabad. Despite the disappointment, Sharma reflected on the team’s journey and the unexpected response from the nation.
Recalling the lead-up to the finals, Sharma painted a picture of optimism within the Indian camp. “Before the match, we were in Ahmedabad two days earlier, and had our practice. The team had maintained a good momentum. As they say, the team was on autopilot,” he reminisced. The captain exuded confidence in the team’s ability, citing a strong start and a partnership between himself and Virat Kohli during the match.
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However, the Indian team’s batting lineup faltered against Australia’s formidable bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. Despite their efforts, India could only manage to set a modest target of 241 runs, which Sharma believed would put pressure on the opposition. “Whenever you are playing in the finals, displaying scores on the board in big matches puts pressure on the opposition,” he emphasized.
Despite their hopes, Australia, fueled by Travis Head’s remarkable innings of 137 runs, seized control of the game after losing three early wickets. Rohit Sharma acknowledged Australia’s resilience, acknowledging their superior performance. “The Australian team played good cricket. We managed to take three wickets for just 40 runs, but then they had a long partnership,” he conceded.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the defeat, Sharma admitted to initial concerns about the nation’s reaction.
“Even I was thinking that even though the World Cup took place in our country, we still couldn’t win it, so I felt that the nation might be angry with us. That the people might be disappointed in us,” he confessed. However, Rohit Sharma was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming support and appreciation from the public. “But wherever I went after the World Cup finals, I only heard people praising how well we played, and they all thoroughly enjoyed watching that cricket,” he remarked.
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The conversation offered insights into the emotional rollercoaster experienced by the Indian cricket team and their captain during one of the most significant matches in recent memory. Despite the loss, Sharma’s reflections highlighted the resilience and camaraderie within the team, as well as the enduring support of cricket-loving fans across the nation.
