India’s journey in the ICC World Cup 2023 culminated in a disappointing loss against Australia in the finals. Despite a stellar performance throughout the tournament, Rohit Sharma’s Indian team faced a defeat that left millions of fans disheartened. In a first-ever direct confrontation, the BCCI queried the Indian captain and coach, seeking explanations for the team’s defeat. The revelation made by coach Rahul Dravid during this meeting has stirred surprise.
India moves to the 🔝#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/uhXMJMFN7p
— ICC (@ICC) December 2, 2023
The Meeting Behind Closed Doors
BCCI officials, including Secretary Jay Shah, Vice President Rajeev Shukla, and Treasurer Ashish Shelar, convened a closed-door meeting with Coach Dravid and Captain Rohit Sharma. As reported by Dainik Jagran, Dravid was questioned about the reasons behind India’s loss in the final match held on November 19. His response attributed the defeat to the pitch conditions at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a surprising revelation from the coach.
A special win in Raipur 👏#TeamIndia now has the most wins in Men’s T20Is 🙌#INDvAUS | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/edxRgJ38EG
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 1, 2023
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Pitch Woes and Batting Struggles
Dravid indicated that the pitch didn’t offer the expected amount of turn, impacting India’s batting performance adversely. Rohit Sharma echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the pitch conditions weren’t conducive for the big scores the team had anticipated. It’s worth noting that the final match was played on the same strip used in the league match against Pakistan. While India had secured an easy victory in the league match while chasing, batting first in the finals posed challenges that led to India’s inability to post a substantial score.
Highlights of India vs Australia, World Cup 2023
India’s pursuit of 241 runs commenced with an expensive first over by Jasprit Bumrah, conceding 15 runs, including three fours. Additionally, a missed catch on the first ball added to India’s early woes.
Within the initial ten overs of the powerplay, Australia stood at 60/3. They achieved the 100-run milestone in 19.1 overs. Travis Head secured his half-century in 58 balls, featuring six fours and a six. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne offered crucial support from the opposite end.
Australia’s steady progress continued as they reached the 150-run mark in 27.1 overs. Travis’ exceptional performance led to his century in 95 balls, comprising 14 fours and three sixes. Despite India’s efforts, Australia dominated, reaching the 200-run mark in 36.3 overs.
Labuschagne notched his half-century in 99 balls, featuring three fours. Eventually, Travis’ monumental innings ended at 137 off 120 balls, including 15 fours and four sixes, as he was caught by Gill. At 239/4 in 42.5 overs, Australia sealed their victory.