former captain of india Rohit Sharma Opened up about the emotional fallout of India’s crushing defeat to Australia in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final, revealing that the defeat has left him mentally exhausted and questioning his future in the game.
Speaking at the Masters Union event, Rohit admitted that the disappointment of the final lasted longer than expected, describing it as one of the toughest phases of his cricket life.
Rohit reveals depths of personal devastation
Opening up about his mental state after the final, Rohit revealed that the emotional impact was tremendous.
“After the 2023 World Cup final, I was completely distraught and I felt like I didn’t want to play this game anymore because it had taken everything away from me,” He said. “I felt like I had nothing left.”
Rohit told that the feeling of emptiness does not end overnight. He needed time away from the emotional excitement of the tournament to reconnect with his love for cricket, reminding himself why he started playing the game in the first place.
Gradually, through reflection and self-motivation, he began to rediscover his energy and motivation. “I kept telling myself that this was something I really loved, and I couldn’t let it go that easily,” He added.
A defeat that stunned the host nation
India’s campaign in the 2023 ODI World Cup has not been impressive. Under Rohit’s leadership, the team won every match until reaching the final, making it the most consecutive tournament run in World Cup history.
However, the final in Ahmedabad unfolded in heartbreaking fashion. Despite Australia losing three early wickets, India suffered defeat as the visitors easily chased down the target and won by six wickets. The defeat stunned fans across the country, turning a month of celebration into mass disbelief.
“Everyone was extremely disappointed,” Rohit said. “We couldn’t believe what had happened.”
World Cup dream ruined Rohit’s captaincy tenure
Rohit admitted that the defeat hurt a lot as his only focus was on the World Cup after taking over the captaincy in 2022. Be it the T20 World Cup or the ODI World Cup, his goal was clear – to win the global trophy for India.
“I gave everything I had into that World Cup, not only in the months leading up to it but since I became captain.” He said. “When that didn’t happen, I was completely broken. There was no energy left in my body.”
The former opening batsman admitted that it took a few months to recover mentally, regain motivation and get ready to return to the field with purpose.
Also read: Mumbai announces squad for Vijay Hazare Trophy; Rohit Sharma’s historic comeback
Under Rohit’s leadership, India bounced back with victory in T20 World Cup 2024.
However, Rohit’s story did not end in disappointment. India responded to the heartbreak of 2023 with resilience, and is moving forward Win ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Under his captaincy.
The title win served as a liberation – not just for the team, but also for Rohit personally. It validated their perseverance through doubt and emotional exhaustion, strengthening their belief in perseverance and long-term vision.
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