Sporting icons offer solace, cheer to Indian cricket team after ODI World Cup final loss

India produced top-notch performances at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 but their dream run came to nought after a six-wicket defeat to Australia in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

India appeared to be in a promising position when Australia were at 47/3, chasing 240. However, a 192-run stand between Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne denied the home team a third World Cup title.

Despite the heartbreak, social media saw India’s sporting icons like Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar and Abhinav Bindra express their gratitude towards the Indian cricket team, acknowledging its exceptional performances throughout the 45-day tournament.

On Instagram, Kapil Dev, the captain of India's World Cup-winning team in 1983, offered words of solace to the present Indian skipper Rohit Sharma. “Rohit, you are a master at what you do. You have a lot of success awaiting you. It is tough I know but keep your spirits up. India is with you,” Kapil Dev posted.

India came into the final with 10 wins on the trot. Virat Kohli ended as the top-scorer at the 2023 ODI World Cup with 765 runs ahead of Rohit Sharma, who came second with 597 runs. Mohammed Shami, with 24 wickets, was the top wicket-taker in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Sachin Tendulkar, who was the player of the tournament in the 2003 World Cup when India lost to Australia in the final, said he could relate to what players were going through after the defeat.

“Just one bad day in an otherwise sterling tournament can be heartbreaking… Losses are a part of the sport but let us remember that this unit gave their all for us throughout the tournament.”

Shooter Bindra, who was India’s first individual Olympic medallist, said that sport is as much about grace in defeat as it is about celebration in victory.

Bindra also urged the fans not to excessively criticise Team India. “Our collective response should be filled with pride and unwavering support for our team…Let us applaud their determination and the magnificent sport of cricket that unifies us, in triumphs and in defeat alike.”

Boxer Nikhat Zareen, the reigning world champion who will likely carry India’s hopes at the Paris 2024 Olympics, also echoed Bindra’s sentiments.

The loss on Sunday extended India’s wait for an ICC trophy. India won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. India have made five finals in the ICC events since then but have not tasted a victory.

Indian badminton player PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, said she expects the Indian team to bounce back stronger.

Shuttler Saina Nehwal, boxer Vijender Singh, along with wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia — all Olympic medallists — also lauded the Indian cricket team.

Six-time Grand Slam champion Sania Mirza, who narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal alongside Rohan Bopanna at the Rio 2016 Olympics, said that sport does not always have fairytale endings.

With the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 done and dusted, the Indian cricket team will now turn its attention to a five-match T20 international series against Australia starting on Thursday.