Ahmedabad: India faced a significant defeat against Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final on Sunday. Despite the setback, the resolute spirit exhibited by the Indian cricket team garnered attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally visited the team’s dressing room to provide words of encouragement and embraced Mohammed Shami, who emerged as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament.
In a post on X, Shami thanked all Indians for their unwavering support during the tournament and shared a photo of the Prime Minister embracing him.
“Unfortunately yesterday was not our day. I would like to thank all Indians for supporting our team and me throughout the tournament. Thankful to PM @narendramodi for specially coming to the dressing room and raising our spirits. We will bounce back!” he wrote.
Unfortunately yesterday was not our day. I would like to thank all Indians for supporting our team and me throughout the tournament. Thankful to PM @narendramodi for specially coming to the dressing room and raising our spirits. We will bounce back! pic.twitter.com/Aev27mzni5
— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) November 20, 2023
Indian spinner Ravindra Jadeja expressed the team’s disappointment and wrote, “We had a great tournament but we ended up short yesterday. We are all heartbroken but the support of our people is keeping us going. PM @narendramodi’s visit to the dressing room yesterday was special and very motivating.”
We had a great tournament but we ended up short yesterday. We are all heartbroken but the support of our people is keeping us going. PM @narendramodi’s visit to the dressing room yesterday was special and very motivating. pic.twitter.com/q0la2X5wfU
— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) November 20, 2023
PM Modi also tweeted in support of the team after the defeat.
“Dear Team India, Your talent and determination through the World Cup was noteworthy. You’ve played with great spirit and brought immense pride to the nation. We stand with you today and always,” he wrote.
India’s exceptional and unbeaten streak in the tournament came to a crushing end as the Men in Blue suffered a six-wicket defeat to the now six-time champions Australia.
Emotions ran high as players, including captain Rohit Sharma and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, were visibly in tears following the loss.
The cricketing narrative took a dramatic turn as India managed to score only 240 runs in the first innings. KL Rahul led the scoring with 66 from 107 balls, while Virat Kohli contributed 54 after Rohit Sharma’s quickfire 47 off just 31 balls opening the innings.
Despite a strong bowling comeback, putting Australia under early pressure, India fell short. The pivotal moment came with Travis Head’s impressive 137-run inning and his partnership with Marnus Labuschagne, who added 57 runs from 109 balls.