The World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad ended in a six-wicket victory for the latter. Opting to field after winning the toss, Australia showcased its skill by bowling the entire Indian lineup in 50 overs leaving for them to create a chase able target of 241 runs for themselves. As Australia lifted the coveted World Cup Trophy for the sixth time, Indian fans were left heartbroken and took to social media to express their emotions.

Apart from yesterday's match, India and Australia have confronted each other against 13 times in the World Cup where on eight occasions, Australia has been victorious and India winning five times. The last time the two teams faced each other in the World Cup final was in 2003 at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa where again it had culminated in a win situation for Australia.

Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Mohammad Siraj were in tears after India's World Cup final loss against Australia. KL falling to his knees, Siraj, Shami, Bumrah holding onto each other because they couldn't stop crying. Virat was seen controlling his tears while Rohit was on the verge of crying.

Fans too broke down seeing these Kings cry. Fans extend their unwavering support to the Indian National Team. It's just that yesterday was not our day though the team deserved to win after maintaining a continuous streak of winning 10 matches to the Tournament finals.

A picture where Anushka Sharma is consoling her husband, Virat Kohli is going viral on the Internet today.

Rahul Dravid revealed that the dressing room was an emotional place. Emotions ran high among the Indian players as they walked back to the dressing room. It was a disappointment at not realizing the dreams of more than a billion people. Siraj sobbed on the ground while Rohit Sharma tried to control his tears but of no avail. Rahul Dravid adds that it was difficult for him to see this as a coach and also when you know these boys personally and the sacrifices they have made. You get to see the hard work and the effort they did put in.

The sun will rise again but this opportunity will not come for many in this Indian team. Especially, Rohit who gave his everything to India's World Cup Campaign. Rohit getting out after making a score of less than half of a century did put a pressure on the team members. Players like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Gill couldn't handle the pressure. Things seemed to be dependent on KL Rahul and Kohli's partnership but that didn't work this time.

The team management felt that the ball was stopping in the afternoon but came nicely on bat in the evening. The Australian surprised many by choosing to chase and it proved in course of innings that they had come well prepared.

Dravid said that a total of 290 could have been ideal on the pitch which was slow initially.

The ICC World Cup final day was a tough day for fans. Emotions were high as people camd together to watch the match in togetherness.

People had saved the Diwali crackers with the thought of bursting them at India's victory in the Finals but unfortunately destiny wanted something else. Though fans still appreciate the phenomenal performance of the Indian team throughout the tournament.

Dravid added that the team will eventually move on from the defeat in the final, but the experience will help them become better.

“I mean, that’s what you do as sportsmen. You have some great highs in sport, and you have some lows in sport. And you keep moving on. You don’t stop. Because if you don’t put yourself on the line, you don’t put yourself in games like these, you don’t experience the great highs. And neither do you experience the great lows. And if you don’t do that, you don’t learn.”

Cricket - An Emotion:

People were excited in the first innings but had their heads in their hands in the remaining half. People were just hoping for a miracle to happen in the middle of the innings. Nevertheless, it was a good experience to watch with other passionate lovers. People in the stadium were mostly silent. There were no moments of cheers and applause. The match was available for livestream on Hotstar but the viewers drastically declined in the second innings. Citizen were glued to their screens for several hours. Strangers were seen asking scores from each other. People were at the same time passing comments on the performance of players. Shopkeepers at the same time were attending to customers and kept themselves updated with the match score. The match was screened at crossroads. Youngsters were seen to be highly thrilled. From hawkers to rickshaw drivers, everyone was streaming the match on smartphones or gathered around someone who was. Several people headed to restaurants and cafes for group viewing. The energy, excitement, teasing and friendly arguments are all part of experience. Several fans watched it in the comfort of their homes. Hundreds travelled to Ahmedabad to witness the epic game from pan-India level and even from abroad.

The home team which entered the final unbeaten and favorites to win a third title was denied to her by the Aussie's.

People just wanted to go back to home or return to the city they had come as there was no reason of staying back. People just wanted to sleep as an escape to reality and a place where the tears could flow undisturbed. People couldn't understand that after having maintained a continuous streak of 10 long winning matches still they failed in the crucial battle. Fans now expect India to play much better.

The mood was sombre and a far cry from the loud and excited atmosphere before the start of the match. Thousands of fans paid over the odds for travel, hotels and tickets because of high demand. People regard this defeat as a big loss for India. Sadly, senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will even get another opportunity to play a World Cup.

India with its booming economy and cricket crazy fans is the financial powerhouse of the game but they last won the World Cup back in 2011.

Someone added, 'It's feels so sad and empty as the World Cup has come to an end and we didn't win it.'

Lessons from Defeat in World Cup 2023 Finals:

• Cricket is not a game of individual skills and competence. Its a team game so cooperation among the team mates and bringing together batters, fielders and bowlers with the help of support team. Proper captaincy and coaching is required for the Indian team to make a sharp comeback again.
• Setting a good target score is crucial in the first place and if the target isn't that good then the bowlers should be equipped to defend the target by taking wickets of the opponent team.
• Know your strategies and know your team. The whole team looks at your batters to perform. When you invest, know your rivals too.
• Dropped catches lose matches. Bowlers shouldn't be only good but they should be stars.

Nevertheless, the defeat of the Indian National Team in the ICC Men's World Cup 2023 has brought a cause of lament but we still keep the hope alive for 2027!

We are there with you, Indian Team!

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Reference:

• hindustantimes.com
• times.now
• indianexpress.com
• timesofindia.indiatimes.com
• businesstandard.com
• firstpost.com
• livemint.com