The World Cup final match, between India and Australia was held on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.
The Indian cricket team lost the final to Australia by 6 wickets in 43 overs. Australia wins the Cup for a record-extending sixth time, ending India’s dominant run in its home tournament in a low-scoring final on the back of Travis Head’s 137.
PM Modi visited the Indian cricket team dressing room after the tough loss, offering motivation, he said, “The team has won 10 matches in this tournament; it happens. Stay happy; the team has performed really well.”
The Prime Minister shared a brief video on social media on November 21 of his meeting with the squad soon after the final match at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, in which he can be heard saying, “India stands with them today and always.”
PM Modi first spoke to veteran opener Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma, advising them not to be downhearted about the result given their excellent run in the tournament.
Speaking to Rohit and Virat, PM said, “Aap log pura 10-10 game jeet ke aaye ho, ye to hota rehta (You have come to the final after winning 10 games, these things happen)”
PM Modi then called out Indian coach Rahul Dravid and expressed his appreciation for the hard work put in by the Indian team.
The Prime Minister can be seen telling Indian pacer Mohammed Shami that he had done well in the tournament, before pulling the bowler in for a warm hug, in the video. The Prime Minister also shook hands with the rest of the Indian team, including vice-captain KL Rahul, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
“There were a lot of emotions in that dressing room,” Coach Rahul Dravid told reporters after the match.
Despite their unbeaten run in the group stages of the tournament, The Indian team was distraught after failing to win a home World Cup. The team has been urged by India coach Rahul Dravid to move on from the “tough” loss in the ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia.
“You have great highs and some great lows (in sports) but you keep moving on. You don’t stop,” he says.
Pictures of Anushka Sharma consoling Virat Kohli after the match have also gone viral on social media.
Like Anushka Sharma, Athiya Shetty had also come to support Team India and her husband KL Rahul. After the defeat, she was also seen being heartbroken.
Apart from this, former Indian cricket legends also took to social media to console and commend Team India for their spirited campaign in the tournament.
Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar expressed his disappointment on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging that it was a tough day at the office for the Rohit Sharma-led side. Tendulkar congratulated Australia on their historic win and reminded fans that losses are an inevitable part of the sport.
Former India opener Gautam Gambhir praised the Indian team, emphasizing their status as a champion side. He urged the players to keep their heads high despite the defeat.
“As I’ve said we are a champion team irrespective. So chin up boys….Many many congrats to Australia!” tweeted Gambhir.
Former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also puts in a word.
“Congratulations on this incredible journey all through the #WorldCup campaign The final result may not have been in our favour, but you created unforgettable moments and made us proud! You brought the entire nation together with what you achieved as a team Chin up and onwards to the next one! Congratulations @CricketAustrala on the win – it was your day and you did well to make it happen Well done #hitman @ImRo45 for leading from the front and creating history and congrats on winning the man of the series #KingKohli @imVkohli ! Very well deserved,” wrote Yuvraj.
The 2011 World Cup-winning team member Harbhajan Singh tweeted, “Tough one for us Indians to swallow this setback.. we are proud of our boys in blue .. we love you Team India.
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