World Cup 2023 Final

In the thrilling pursuit of cricketing glory, Rohit Sharma and the Indian cricket team find themselves on the precipice of achieving something truly monumental. The anticipation of joining the elite ranks of the Indian teams from 1983 and 2011 hangs palpably in the air, as they stand just one step away from claiming the World Cup—a prize that Sharma acknowledges as the pinnacle of a cricketer’s career.

The journey began in an air-conditioned room in Chennai on October 7, where Rohit Sharma, known for his calm and laid-back demeanor in press settings, was confronted with a question about “unfinished business.” In response, he invoked the memory of cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar and his quest to win the 2011 ODI World Cup. Sharma echoed the sentiment, expressing his desire to secure the coveted title. “Yeah, it will be nice to win a World Cup. It’s the biggest prize that you can have in your career,” he remarked. However, he emphasized the importance of a methodical process, a meticulous procedure, and a disciplined approach to achieving this lofty goal.

Fast forward to a more recent press conference in Ahmedabad, and the echoes of “unfinished business” reverberate once again. This time, the stakes are higher; the final showdown with Australia, a team boasting five-time champions in this format, looms on the horizon. Yet, despite the formidable opponent, Sharma repeats his earlier sentiments. “Yeah, it’ll be nice to win the World Cup,” he states, reiterating the significance of the prize while maintaining the same calm tone.

The journey to this point has been nothing short of spectacular, with ten commanding victories and numerous standout performances shaping what can only be described as a flawless campaign. As Sharma reflects on the road traveled, he acknowledges the tireless work put in over the past two years. Since assuming the captaincy two years ago, Sharma highlights the meticulous planning, role clarity, and the critical process of identifying players for specific formats as integral factors in their success. “We have prepared for this day,” Sharma notes, emphasizing the comprehensive, two-and-a-half-year process that has brought them to the brink of cricketing immortality.

However, standing in their path is an Australian outfit armed with the potential to spoil India’s grand celebration. Pat Cummins, the Australian skipper, serves a timely reminder of their capabilities. He recalls the opening game where they had India at 20/4 in pursuit of 200, emphasizing that a dropped catch by Mitchell Marsh, particularly of Virat Kohli, could have changed the course of that match. Aware that 132,000 spectators will be fervently supporting the Indian team, Cummins encourages his players to embrace the atmosphere, acknowledging the satisfaction in silencing a partisan crowd.

As the final in Ahmedabad approaches, India finds itself not only on the brink of victory but also in the rarefied air of cricketing history. The promise of joining the ranks of the Indian teams that clinched glory in 1983 and 2011 stares them in the eye. Sharma, ever the composed leader, articulates the team’s mindset. “It’ll be nice to do it because we’ve worked really hard for it,” he says. Yet, he tempers the excitement, emphasizing the need for a balanced atmosphere and downplaying the pressure that naturally accompanies such high-stakes encounters. “A nice, balanced atmosphere at this stage will be really nice,” Sharma remarks, highlighting the mix of laughter and tension in the changing room.

Reaching this stage has been a culmination of strategic planning, role definition, and a commitment to backing the right players. Sharma reflects on the process undertaken since he assumed the captaincy, emphasizing the role of clarity that has played a crucial part in their journey. “I think till now, the role clarity has played an important role in reaching this far,” he affirms.

Yet, looming large in their path is Australia, a team with the experience of winning multiple World Cups. Cummins, acknowledging the one-sided crowd support, expresses the satisfaction of silencing a massive crowd. The large gathering of Indian fans, while undoubtedly an advantage for the hosts, also raises the stakes. The pressure of a high-stakes game that comes around once every four years can be heightened by the passionate support of the home crowd. Only Virat Kohli among the current Indian players knows the experience of playing in an ODI World Cup final, whereas Australia boasts five players who were part of the 2015 final.

Sharma, however, downplays the advantage of experience, asserting that the player’s current form and state of mind are more crucial. “That can’t be such an advantage. They have the experience of playing the final. But I think when you play such a tournament, and we’re talking about eight years later, I think the players’ current form, the current state of mind, is more important than that,” he states, emphasizing the importance of the present over historical experience.

If India manages to overcome the final hurdle, their dominance will be reminiscent of Australia’s unbeaten runs in 2003 and 2007. However, Sharma resists drawing comparisons and maintaining focus on the present. “I don’t believe in what we did in the last 10 matches,” he asserts, highlighting the potential pitfalls of complacency. “If you make mistakes tomorrow, then whatever good work you did in those 10 matches, it’s a chance to get wasted. The mantra we have followed is this only,” Sharma concludes, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded and avoiding overconfidence.

As teams often do when reaching this stage, questions arise about potential changes in the team composition. Sharma remains tight-lipped, stating that decisions are yet to be made, preserving an air of suspense as the cricketing world awaits the grand finale.

In the culmination of this cricketing saga, one thing is certain—when the players step onto the lush green field on Sunday, they will be engaging in one of the most important one-day games of their lives. The promise of victory and the pursuit of cricketing glory hangs delicately in the balance, and the cricketing world watches with bated breath as the final chapter unfolds.