It was not long ago when India suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of mighty Australia, which shattered the dreams of millions of fans across the globe. India entered the tournament as firm favourites to lift the World Cup and they certainly played like a team. But it was again a knockout stage match which cost India the title. Australia defeated India by six wickets and won their sixth-ever 50-overs World Cup title.
After this loss, the whole nation, as well as the players themselves, went under the stage of remorse and reflecting upon the magnitude of that loss. It is the first time that skipper Rohit Sharma made any public appearance and expressed what he felt after the loss. Rohit has shared his thoughts for the first time since the team’s defeat in the ODI World Cup final against Australia at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19. He expressed that it has been a challenging process for him to overcome the loss.
Rohit also expressed his gratitude towards cricket fans and the stadium for their support during the mega event. He disclosed that fans consistently showed immense love and appreciation whenever he encountered them, making their support evident in every brief interaction.
“After the final, it was very hard to get back and start moving on, which is why I decided that I need to get my mind out of this. But then, wherever I was, I realised that people were coming up to me and they were appreciating everyone’s effort, how well we played. I feel for all of them. They all, along with us, were dreaming of lifting that World Cup, along with us,” Rohit said.
Watch the video here:
Rohit Sharma's first interview since the 2023 World Cup Final loss.pic.twitter.com/l166pho095
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 13, 2023
It gives you motivation to get back and start working again: Rohit Sharma
The star batter also reflected that wherever the team went throughout the entire campaign, there was significant support from those attending the stadium and those watching from home. Rohit expressed his appreciation for the people’s contributions during that one-and-a-half-month period. However, upon further reflection, he conveyed a sense of disappointment that the team was unable to go all the way to the tournament.
“People, when they understand what the player must be going through and when they know these kinds of things and not to bring out that frustration, that anger, it means a lot for us, for me definitely it meant a lot because there was no anger, it was just pure love from people that I met and it was wonderful to see that. So it gives you motivation to get back and start working again and look for another ultimate prize,” Rohit added after India’s World Cup final loss.
