India's opening batter Shubman Gill shared a heartfelt message after India's defeat in the ODI World Cup 2023 final. Facing off against Australia at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, India succumbed to a six-wicket loss, allowing Australia to claim the coveted title a record sixth time.
Taking to Instagram, Gill conveyed that the defeat is not the culmination, emphasising that, at times, giving one's all is not sufficient. Leading up to the final clash, Rohit Sharma's squad had displayed an impressive run, winning 10 consecutive matches in the ODI World Cup, only to stumble at the final hurdle against Australia on November 19.
"Been almost 16 hours but still hurts like it did last night. Sometimes giving your everything isn't enough. We fell short of our ultimate goal but every step in this journey has been a testament to our team's spirit and dedication. To our incredible fans, your unwavering support in our highs and lows means the world to us. This isn't the end, it's not over until we win. Jai Hind," Gill posted on Instagram.
Gill's journey in the tournament was marked by resilience, having missed the initial two matches due to dengue fever. Returning to the starting XI for the pivotal encounter against Pakistan, he amassed 354 runs in nine matches, maintaining an average of 44.25 and an impressive strike rate of 106.94.
Throughout the competition, the 24-year-old notched up four half-centuries, including an unbeaten 80 against New Zealand in the final. However, his contributions were limited to just 4 runs in the final showdown with Australia.
India entered their fourth ODI World Cup final with hopes of avenging their loss in the 2003 edition. Despite their aspirations, the Men in Blue couldn't halt the Australian juggernaut in Ahmedabad. The victory crowned Australia as the champions, securing their record-extending sixth ODI World Cup trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
As Gill reflected on the tournament and India's journey, his emotional message resonated with fans, acknowledging the highs and lows of their World Cup campaign. The disappointment of the final loss was palpable, but Gill's resilience and commitment to giving his all remained a testament to the spirit of the Indian team.
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