On November 19, 2023, dreams of over a billion Indian cricket fans were shattered as Australia defeated India by six wickets in the ODI World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The Rohit Sharma-led team, undefeated throughout the tournament and playing exceptional cricket, faltered when it mattered most, leaving the nation heartbroken.
India began their World Cup campaign in style on October 8 with a six-wicket win over Australia in Chennai, thanks to KL Rahul’s unbeaten 97*. This victory set the tone for a dominant group stage performance, where the Men in Blue defeated every opponent with confidence and flair.
Meanwhile, Australia stumbled in the early stages of the tournament, raising doubts about their chances of even making the semifinals.
However, the tide turned dramatically for the Pat Cummins-led side. A pivotal moment came when Glenn Maxwell, despite battling injury, smashed a historic 201* against Afghanistan at the Wankhede Stadium, giving Australia the momentum and belief to charge towards the title.
India defeated New Zealand by 70 runs in the semifinals in Mumbai, overcoming a long-standing ICC tournament jinx against the Kiwis. Fans were convinced that this was India’s year, with their players in sublime form and the final set on home soil.
Australia, on the other hand, dispatched South Africa in the second semifinal at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens.
Captain Pat Cummins, undeterred by the overwhelming Indian fan presence, boldly remarked that he aimed to silence the one lakh-strong crowd in the final—a comment that initially drew criticism but ultimately proved prophetic.
On the day of the final, India faltered under pressure, bowled out for a modest 240 runs. KL Rahul, whose sluggish 66 off 107 balls drew ire from fans, struggled to anchor the innings effectively. In reply, Australia chased the target with ease, thanks to Travis Head’s sensational 137 and Marnus Labuschagne’s steady 58*. They reached the target with seven overs to spare, leaving Indian players and fans in disbelief.
The defeat was devastating. Players like Mohammed Shami, who had been India’s standout bowler, and Virat Kohli, who amassed 765 runs and broke numerous records, saw their World Cup dreams crumble. Rohit Sharma, visibly emotional after the match, later admitted the loss still haunted him.
For fans, the heartbreak lingered for months, even overshadowing India’s subsequent triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024. The final in Ahmedabad remains a painful memory of what could have been—a campaign that began with hope and dominance but ended in anguish and regret.
Australia’s victory not only secured them the World Cup but also reminded the cricketing world of their unmatched resilience and ability to rise when the stakes are highest. For India, it was a harsh reminder that in cricket, as in life, glory can often slip away in moments of vulnerability.