IND vs AUS: India is with you Rohit, Kapil Dev posts message in support of captain after World Cup Final loss

Former India captain and 1983 World Cup winner Kapil Dev extended his support to Rohit Sharma after India lost the World Cup Final against Australia on Sunday, 19 November. Rohit Sharma was left dejected after the loss and was in tears as he left the ground. Former India captain Kapil Dev took to Instagram and said that the team played like champions and should keep their chin up.

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“You’ve played like champions boys. Keep your chin up. The trophy was the ultimate in your minds but you’ve emerged winners nonetheless. India is proud of you,” Kapil Dev wrote on his Instagram post.

The former India captain lauded Rohit Sharma and hoped that he kept his spirits up despite the tough loss.

“Rohit, you are a master at what you do. You have a lot of success awaiting you. It’s tough I know but keep your spirits up. India is with you,” Kapil Dev further added in his Instagram story.

Australia clinched their record-extending sixth World Cup title, defeating India by six wickets in a low-scoring final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Australian team’s meticulous planning and execution were on full display, overshadowing India’s strategy and leading to their downfall in a match that was filled with pivotal moments.

India, entering the final with an impressive streak of ten consecutive victories faced a well-prepared Australian side that had specific plans for each Indian batsman and field placements to match. The Australian bowlers, accustomed to bouncier tracks back home, adapted remarkably to the slow and sluggish pitch in Ahmedabad, which India had chosen, hoping it would work to their advantage.

India’s opening batsman and captain, Rohit Sharma, provided a ravaging start, smashing boundaries and sixes, but his promising knock was cut short at 47 runs when he fell to a spectacular catch by Travis Head off Glenn Maxwell’s bowling. This dismissal marked a turning point in the match, as India began to lose momentum. Shreyas Iyer faltered at a crucial juncture, and despite a resilient partnership between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, the Indian batting order could not capitalise on their foundation.

Australia’s fielding was exceptional, with players throwing themselves around the field to save runs and take catches, contrasting sharply with India’s performance in the field. The Australian bowlers, led by Pat Cummins, managed to restrict India to a modest total of 240 all out, setting the stage for their batsmen to chase down the target.

Travis Head emerged as the hero for Australia, playing a match-winning knock of 137 runs from 120 deliveries, ensuring that the Australian clichés of winning big moments and silencing home crowds remained true. His innings, along with a solid 58 not out from Marnus Labuschagne, allowed Australia to comfortably chase down the target with seven overs to spare.