Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to smile as "the nation is watching you". Australia beat India by six wickets in the final of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Ahmedabad to become champions for the sixth time
After a near-invincible unbeaten campaign in the run-up to the final, India's juggernaut came to a heartbreaking end in the title showdown against Australia. Pat Cummins' side out-thought and out-executed India to clinch the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 game by six wickets and emerge champions for a record-extending sixth time at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. (As It Happened | Scorecard | Pics | Full Coverage)
The Indian players were understandably gutted after the loss, shocked at how their incredible run at the showpiece tournament was marred by one bad day in the field. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who ended on the first and second spots in the top run-getters list, would have felt the pain a tad more, considering their ages and the fact that this might well have been their last ODI World Cup.
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In a bid to console them, Prime Minister Narendra Modi entered the Indian dressing room and tried to lift the players' morale. Modi was seen comforting Rohit Sharma and Virat, patting their backs. He urged the star batters to smile as "the nation is watching you". Modi was also spotted speaking to head coach Rahul Dravid, who played a key role in India's memorable campaign. You can watch the video below.
Modi also offered words of support to pacer Mohammed Shami, who ended up as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament despite playing just seven games. Shami thanked all Indians for their support throughout the World Cup and shared picture of Modi hugging him.
Shami wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Unfortunately yesterday was not our day. I would like to thank all Indians for supporting our team and me throughout the tournament. Thankful to PM @narendramodi for specially coming to the dressing room and raising our spirits. We will bounce back!”.
Union home minister Amit Shah was also seen along with Modi in the dressing room. Earlier, the Prime Minister had shared a post on social media, lauding Team India's display in the tournament.
"Dear Team India, Your talent and determination through the World Cup was noteworthy. You've played with great spirit and brought immense pride to the nation. We stand with you today and always," Modi wrote, while also congratulating the Australian team for their splendid performance.