India’s cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, recently broke his silence following the heartbreaking defeat in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Final against Australia. The Indian team had enjoyed a stellar run, winning all 10 matches leading up to the Final, only to falter in the last step on November 19 in Ahmedabad.
Taking a brief break from the cricketing scene, Rohit Sharma chose to opt out of the white-ball series against Australia and South Africa, allowing himself time away from the public eye. More than three weeks after the Final, he took to social media to share his emotions about missing out on the coveted World Cup.
In a candid video, Rohit expressed the difficulty he faced in coming to terms with the defeat. “I had no idea how to come back from this the first few days,” he confessed. The support from his family and friends played a crucial role in helping him navigate through the tough times. “It wasn’t easy to digest, but yeah, life moves on,” Rohit reflected on the disappointment of falling short in the World Cup, a dream he had pursued throughout his career.
Growing up, the 50-over World Cup held a special place for Rohit, and missing out on the ultimate prize was undoubtedly disheartening. “We’ve worked all these years for that World Cup, and it is disappointing, right? If you don’t get through it and you don’t get what you want, what you’ve been looking for all this while, what you were dreaming of, you get disappointed and you get frustrated as well,” he shared.
Despite the setback, Rohit Sharma commended the outstanding efforts of his teammates throughout the tournament. The Indian team had a remarkable 10-match unbeaten run leading up to the Final. Rohit himself set an example with aggressive stroke play at the top, well-supported by Virat Kohli, who emerged as the highest run-scorer in the tournament.
The bowlers, led by the formidable pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, showcased exceptional skills, dismantling opposition batting lineups with ease. Bumrah and Shami created history by becoming the first Indian bowling duo to scalp more than 20 wickets each in a single World Cup edition. Spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav also played crucial roles in the middle overs, contributing to a perfect team effort that propelled India into the Final.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Rohit said, “At times I thought we did everything we could from our side… You cannot have a perfect game. You can have a near-perfect game, but never a perfect game.” He expressed immense pride in the team’s outstanding display and acknowledged the hard work that went into reaching the Final.
Rohit Sharma also took a moment to convey a heartfelt message to the fans who stood by the team not only during the World Cup but also in the aftermath of the defeat. Their support and appreciation provided added motivation for him and the team to strive for future glory. “I want to appreciate what people have done for us in that 1-1/2 months,” Rohit expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from fans, both in the stadiums and at home.
He shared his experiences of people approaching him post the Final, expressing pride in the team’s efforts. “For me to see people coming up to me and telling me that they were very proud of the team made me feel really good to a certain extent,” Rohit said. The genuine love and encouragement from fans played a crucial role in the healing process for him.
As Rohit Sharma prepares to lead India in the upcoming World Test Championship series against South Africa, starting with the Boxing Day Test in Centurion, he remains optimistic and motivated. India currently holds the second position in the WTC25 standings, with a 66.67-point percentage. The series against South Africa presents a new opportunity for Rohit and his team to bounce back and strive for another ultimate prize in the world of cricket.