Indian batter Shreyas Iyer has provided an insight into the disappointment felt by the Indian players after their defeat to Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final. Despite a dominant run of 10 victories, India stumbled in the ultimate match, with Australia securing their 6th World Cup crown with a 6-wicket win at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, November 19.
Expressing the collective heartbreak of the team, Iyer acknowledged that the impact of the loss would take time to subside.
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Despite the bitter loss, he found a silver lining expressing gratitude for the valuable experiences gained during the tournament. Iyer hit a century in the semi-final against New Zealand but failed in the final with only 4 runs as India posted a target of 240.
In a heartfelt social media post, Shreyas Iyer expressed the team's sorrow, acknowledging that the World Cup was a learning experience. He thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the team management, support staff, teammates, and fans for their unwavering support.
"We're heartbroken, it still hasn't sunk in and it won't for a while. My first World Cup was an experience that has taught me so much and made me grateful for everything that's come my way. Thank you to the @BCCI, team management, support staff, my teammates and you the fans for backing us from the beginning right up until the end. And congratulations to the entire Australian team on a marvelous campaign," Iyer wrote on x.com (formerly Twitter).
On the field, the Indian players displayed visible disappointment. Captain Rohit Sharma restrained his tears, and Virat Kohli looked crestfallen while receiving his Player of the Tournament medal. Jasprit Bumrah consoled a tearful Mohammed Siraj, and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar offered solace to the team during the medal ceremony.
India entered the final as favourites. However, the Australian team, led by Pat Cummins, proved superior, securing their 6th World Cup title on the grand stage.
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