Rahul Dravid hails ‘leader’ Rohit Sharma despite India’s 2023 World Cup loss to Australia

Australia won a record-extending sixth World Cup title, extending their dominance in the tournament that started way back in 1975.

Ahmedabad: India head coach Rahul Dravid hailed Rohit Sharma as captain after the Men in Blue lost the 2023 ODI World Cup final to Australia by six wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Chasing 242 to win, Australia rode on a match-winning 137 from Travis Head to romp home in 43 overs. Australia won a record-extending sixth World Cup title, extending their dominance in the tournament that started way back in 1975.

The Indian captain set a good example throughout the tournament from the first match. Under Rohit’s leadership, India finished the league stage with an all-time winning record before beating New Zealand in the semi-finals.

“Rohit has been an exceptional leader. He has the locker room. He is always available for any conversation. He is always dedicated. He has put a lot of time and energy into this campaign. Even his percussion has always set the tone for us. He wanted to set a good example. I cannot speak more about him,” Dravid said during the post-match press conference.

Batting, India finished with a below-par 240 despite contributions from Rohit Sharma (47 off 31 balls), Virat Kohli (54 off 63) and KL Rahul (66 off 107). Similar to his performance in the WTC final against India in June, Travis Head made a match-winning 137 off 120 balls as Australia chased down the target in 43 overs.

Indian hopes were raised when Australia lost three wickets for 47, but a 192-run partnership between Head and Marnus Labuschagne (58 not out) closed the door for the opposition. Australia’s brilliant bowling and fielding also contributed greatly to their emphatic victory. The dew in the evening also made hitting easier on a slow and dry surface.

India, who were the only unbeaten side going into the final after ten wins on the trot, fell flat at the final hurdle. Their last world title came in 2011 and their last ICC trophy was the Champions Trophy win in 2013.

Dravid, who was part of the Indian team that went to Australia in the 2003 World Cup final, said it was very difficult for him to see the tired faces in the dressing room. “The boys are disappointed. There are a lot of emotions in the locker room. It was difficult to see them as coaches. You get to see their sacrifices and the effort they put in.

“I am sure the sun will rise tomorrow morning, we will think about it and learn from it. If you don’t experience such matches, you won’t enjoy the highlights,” he added. It is notable that Rahul’s contract as India’s head coach runs until the World Cup.

Like Rohit, Dravid also felt that India was short of points. “We were 30-40 runs short. They bowled very well. In the afternoon the ball stopped. There wasn’t much dew, but it was better under the light. We didn’t understand those boundaries and kept losing wickets at critical intervals.

“If he had gotten to 280-290 it would have been a different match. They hit very well. Travis Head hit exceptionally well,” he said. When asked about his future, Rahul is still undecided. “I haven’t thought about it. I haven’t had time to think about this. I will, when I have time. I was just focused on this World Cup,” he added.