For a team that has bonded as a family and reveled in each other’s success over the past 45 days, the sight of players wearing a somber look in the dressing room after losing a World Cup final was a painful sight. The outcome of the match was not yet clear, tears were flowing, the smiles that had become so contagious by now had disappeared, and the expressions on their faces almost indicated the end of the world. This was painful, and it was going to be tough for the next couple of days.
But thanks to fielding coach T Dilip, who was the most positive, and his final medal ceremony, Team India found a brief but much-needed reason to cheer. Virat Kohli, the first to receive this medal on October 8, was also the last. Despite winning the Player of the Tournament award, Kohli was depressed all the time, but Dileep’s gesture was a healing force.
“Guys, I know it’s tough and we all feel the pain, but this is sport. We did everything right and still the result was not in our favor. But I think, as Rahul bhai said, we can all be proud of ourselves. I appreciate it,” Dilip said. I thank every player in this group who committed to the training sessions. The way you put yourself on the line, your energy, and your intentions. I couldn’t have asked for more. Well done.” The dressing room after India’s crushing six-wicket loss to Australia as applause finally broke out.
“Throughout this tournament, we had some great shots but what I liked most was the brotherhood we share. The way everyone supported each other, the way everyone was hitting was amazing. I see everyone growing as a team on the court.”
Only four Australian wickets fell, but Kohli’s catch to dismiss David Warner in the second over of the Australian innings brought him the medal. Kohli and Gill’s lack of coordination gave Warner the first ball a lifeline as he bowled the ball away between first and second slip where they were positioned, but the former India captain redeemed himself by completing a smart catch on the next ball off the bowling of Mohammed Shami to set it up. He is the leading wicket-taker of the 2023 World Cup.
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“Today’s winner… He was an amazing player. He sets great standards for himself and every time he steps on the field, he works magic. The best part is that not only does he do his job well, but his actions inspire a lot of people.” “It is none other than Virat Kohli,” he said.
There’s something about this medal ceremony that brightens the mood. For the next ten seconds, everyone clapped and cheered. Dilip handed the medal to Ravindra Jadeja, who shared a little laugh and placed it around Kohli’s neck. Their hearts were bleeding, but at that moment, the echoes of the applause took away all the pain. However, it is important to note that while all the players and coaching staff were present at the ceremony, India captain Rohit Sharma was nowhere to be seen. In fact, after Rohit fought back tears and gathered the courage to deliver a speech at the post-match presentation ceremony, he was not spotted in the public eye.