India’s cricketing narrative has been a tale of triumphs and tribulations, with the elusive pursuit of the ICC trophy continuing to haunt them. The glory days seem distant, last tasting the sweetness of victory in 2013 during the Champions Trophy against England and the 2011 World Cup under the captaincy of the legendary MS Dhoni against Sri Lanka. The journey commenced in 1983 when Kapil Dev led the team to their maiden World Cup triumph, scripting history by defeating the mighty West Indies in the final.
Fast forward to World Cup 2023, and optimism was rife as India showcased dominance by clinching all nine group-stage games and triumphing over New Zealand in the semifinal. The anticipation reached a crescendo, reminiscent of the confidence leading into the 2003 World Cup. However, history seemed to echo as Australia, akin to 2003, played the spoiler, shattering the dreams of the nation.
The heartbreaking loss in the World Cup 2023 final added another chapter to India’s struggles in major cricket tournaments. A string of defeats in crucial encounters showcases a pattern of faltering on the grand stage. The 2014 World Cup Final against Sri Lanka, the 2015 World Cup semifinal against Australia, and subsequent setbacks in the 2016 World Cup semifinal against West Indies, the 2017 Champions Trophy Final against Pakistan, and the 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand all contribute to a narrative of missed opportunities and unfulfilled dreams.
Even in the inaugural World Test Championship Final in 2021, India faced defeat at the hands of New Zealand. The disappointments extended to the 2021 T20 World Cup, where India failed to advance beyond the group stage, finishing third in Group B. The trend continued into 2022 with a semifinal loss to England in the T20 World Cup, marked by a comprehensive 10-wicket defeat.
As the World Test Championship Final and the World Cup 2023 unfolded, India faced formidable challenges against Australia, succumbing to defeats by eight wickets and 209 runs, respectively. The once-dominant force in international cricket found itself grappling with a trophy drought, raising questions about the team’s performance on the global stage.
Interestingly, the years 1983, 2007, 2011, and 2013, when India clinched major ICC trophies, coincide with the Congress rule. The political backdrop adds a unique dimension to the cricketing narrative, inviting contemplation on the potential influence of governance on sporting fortunes.
In the grand tapestry of Indian cricket, the quest for ICC glory continues to elude the team. The victories of yesteryears seem distant echoes as the team grapples with formidable opponents and internal challenges. As fans, the hope lingers for a resurgence, a revival of the winning spirit that once defined Indian cricket on the world stage.
India lost yet another ICC Trophy, the #Panauti needs to be toppled.
Since Modi became PM of India:
2014 WC Final – LOST
2015 WC SF – LOST
2016 WC SF – LOST
2017 CT Final – LOST
2019 WC SF – LOST
2021 WTC Final – LOST
2021 WC Group Stage – LOST
2022 WC SF – LOST
2023 WTC Final… pic.twitter.com/1ZVMWaTwbJ— Amock (@Politics_2022_) November 19, 2023
Also, see:
World Cup 2023 final: Panauti trends on Twitter as Modi laughs on India’s defeat
