India, the clear favorites for the 2023 World Cup title, faced a heartbreaking defeat in the final against formidable Australia, despite an impressive run leading up to the ultimate clash. The emotional aftermath of the loss was evident in the dressing room, with players like Mohammed Siraj shedding tears, KL Rahul visibly distraught, and even the composed Rohit Sharma struggling to contain his emotions. Virat Kohli sought solace behind his cap.
In the midst of the emotional turmoil, coach Rahul Dravid provided insights into the team’s state, expressing the disappointment and charged emotions in the dressing room. Dravid acknowledged the hard work, sacrifices, and months of preparation that the players had put in with aspirations to end India’s decade-long wait for an ICC trophy.
Speaking in a post-match press interaction, Rahul Dravid remarked, “The boys are disappointed. It wasn’t easy; there were a lot of emotions in that dressing room. It was tough to see as a coach because I know how hard these guys have worked, what they’ve put in, the sacrifices they’ve made… But yeah, that’s sport.”
He acknowledged that the better team won on the day and emphasized the learning aspect of such experiences. “We’ll learn from it. We’ll reflect. And we’ll move on, as will everyone else. I mean, that’s what you do as a sportsman. You have some great highs in sport, and you have some lows in sport. And you keep moving on.”
Rahul Dravid on Rohit’s Approach and Shot Selection
Despite the defeat, Rahul Dravid praised Rohit Sharma’s exceptional leadership throughout the tournament. He commended Rohit for his commitment, availability for discussions and meetings, and the personal time and energy he invested in the campaign. Rahul Dravid also lauded Rohit’s batting, emphasizing how he set the tone for the team.
Responding to questions about Rohit’s shot selection in the final, Dravid defended the captain, highlighting the team’s commitment to a positive and attacking brand of cricket. “We knew that we wanted to play a certain way. He was very committed to doing that. And he wanted to lead by example. Right through the tournament, he was superb in doing that. I just can’t speak more highly of him as a person and as a leader.”