India batting legend Sunil Gavaskar said that despite his sadness about India not winning the ICC World Cup 2023, everyone should be proud of the team’s efforts throughout the tournament. The Men in Blue lost to Australia in the final by 6 wickets in Ahmedabad on November 19.
Despite a good start with the bat, after Pat Cummins won the toss and bowled first, India only managed 240 runs. Virat Kohli and KL Rahul scored the fifties, while Rohit Sharma made 47.
In response, Travis Head hammered a brilliant 137 to rescue Australia from 47/3 and took them to a brilliant 6-wicket win. Marnus Labuschagne also made 58* to anchor one end. Australia is now 6-time ICC Cricket World Champions.
While India did lose in the final, many acknowledged their imperious run in the tournament. The team squashed almost every opponent,winning all ten matches, on their way to the final. Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, who was part of the commentary panel, also echoed similar views.
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"I'm sad. This team played such terrific cricket for ten games but just wasn't able to take that one step that could have got them the trophy. But with that said I think all of us have to be mighty proud of them. This team has played superb cricket and yes it happens that sometimes the final doesn't go your way. But this team has been sensational in all aspects for ten matches,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.
“This time a couple of things that could have gone their way, which didn't happen, so that's fine. That is how luck can go against you. But like I said there's no shame in losing to a better team. A team that was better on the day, just like India was better on the day of the first match. There's no shame in losing to the five-time champions. They know how to win the finals. Very proud of all the effort that they've done, very proud of the joy that they have given millions who have been following them,” he added.
Both India and Australia will have a few days' rest before clashing in a 5-match T20I series starting November 23.
