Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has expressed his admiration for India's captain Rohit Sharma following his exceptional performance in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. Despite India's loss to Australia in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Kaif highlighted Sharma's commendable leadership and batting throughout the tournament.
In a conversation with Star Sports, Kaif conveyed his thoughts on the final outcome, expressing a reluctance to fully acknowledge that the best team won the tournament. Australia's successful chase of 241 runs with six wickets in hand led them to their sixth ODI World Cup title on November 19, a significant achievement in the cricketing world.
"Congratulations to Australia but I am not ready to accept that the best team won the World Cup. This Indian team has been the best side. They would win so many times playing against the same Australian team, even though they lost today. It was one of those bad day, this happens sometimes," said Kaif.
Kaif specifically praised Rohit Sharma, acknowledging the emotional toll the loss would have on him as the team's leader. He saluted Sharma for his outstanding contributions during the World Cup, where he steered India to 10 consecutive victories and amassed a total of 597 runs across 11 matches. Sharma's efforts were instrumental in India reaching the final and attempting to clinch their third ODI World Cup title in the fourth final appearance of the country's cricket history.
"I was part of the team that lost the World Cup final in 2003 when Ricky Ponting scored a hundred. Hearts were broken then as well. So I can understand what Rohit Sharma's feeling right now. He knows that this was a strong side under him. We don't know what will happen in the future. But if you ask me, my chest has swelled with pride watching this Indian team in the 2023 World Cup. I salute Rohit Sharma for his performances in 2023 World Cup," Kaif added.
However, in a twist of fate, Australia emerged victorious in Ahmedabad, extending their record as the most successful team in the history of the ODI World Cup. Despite this setback, Kaif's remarks reflect a deep appreciation for Sharma's role as a captain and a batsman in the 2023 World Cup, underlining the impact of his leadership and skills in leading India to the brink of another World Cup triumph.
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