Cricket is a game that can take players on an emotional journey, with incredible highs and crushing lows. One such unforgettable moment was India’s heartbreaking loss in the semi-finals of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, narrowly missing out on a spot in the final. Sanjay Bangar, a former cricketer and coach who served as India’s Batting coach during the 2019 World Cup, offered a glimpse into the emotional aftermath of that unforgettable defeat.
Sanjay Bangar shared the raw and heartfelt reactions of some of India’s most prominent players. According to Bangar, the dressing room following the semi-final loss was filled with profound emotions. Players like MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya were visibly emotional, struggling to hold back tears. The weight of the moment had taken a significant toll on the team.
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Even the usually composed and stoic MS Dhoni couldn’t hide his emotions. The cricketing legend, who had been a cornerstone of the Indian team for years, was seen visibly upset. Missing out on a World Cup final was a heavy burden to bear, even for a player of Dhoni’s stature.
“Players including MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya couldn’t stop their tears and cried bitterly in the dressing room after losing the 2019 World Cup Semi final”. – Sanjay Bangar (To Star Sports)#CWC19 #INDvNZ #Msdhoni #Hardikpandya #CWC23
— रोहित जुगलान Rohit Juglan (@rohitjuglan) October 22, 2023
Rishabh Pant, the young and promising wicketkeeper-batsman known for his fearless approach on the field, was also deeply affected by the loss. Pant had won the hearts of fans with his dynamic style of play, and the World Cup loss left him heartbroken as the dream of lifting the coveted trophy slipped away.
Hardik Pandya, the talented all-rounder, was another player who struggled to hold back tears in the dressing room. His performances in the World Cup had been crucial, and the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow.
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Sanjay Bangar’s revelation provides a poignant glimpse into the human side of cricket. It serves as a reminder that beyond the boundaries and the cricketing battles, players are individuals with their own dreams, aspirations, and emotions. The defeat in the World Cup semi-final wasn’t just a loss on the scoreboard; it was a deeply personal and emotional setback for the players who had dedicated their lives to the sport.