Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Indian cricket team’s dressing room in Ahmedabad after their defeat to Australia in the ODI World Cup final. Despite the loss, Modi delivered a positive message, saying, “It happens. Keep smiling; the country is looking up to you.”
The match, held at the world’s largest cricket stadium named after PM Modi, ended with Australia winning a record-extending sixth title, chasing down the 241-run target with ease. The emotional aftermath saw players, including captain Rohit Sharma, visibly upset.
In a video capturing Modi’s visit, he greeted and motivated the players and head coach Rahul Dravid. Modi acknowledged the ups and downs in sports, urging the players to be each other’s strength during challenging times. He embraced players like Mohammed Shami and shared words in Gujarati with native players Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah. Modi consoled Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, trying to uplift their spirits.
After the defeat, head coach Rahul Dravid revealed the emotional state of the team. “He (Rohit Sharma) is disappointed, as are many boys in the dressing room…There were a lot of emotions in that dressing room,” said Dravid, empathizing with the players’ hard work and sacrifices.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Dravid expressed the difficulty of witnessing the emotional aftermath. He highlighted the tremendous effort, hard work, and sacrifices the team had made over the last month.
Despite India’s stellar performance in the league matches, winning all nine to top the points table, they couldn’t secure victory in the crucial final against Australia. The Aussies, clinical in all three departments, emerged victorious on the most important day of the tournament.