Aoba Tanaka 
In a crushing defeat, Virat Kohli aspirations of securing a second ODI World Cup for India were shattered as the Rohit Sharma-led team succumbed to Australia in the final of the Cricket World Cup 2023.
Despite an impressive run in the tournament, winning all 10 matches leading up to the final, India faced a heartbreaking loss on their home turf. Virat Kohli’s stellar performance throughout the campaign, amassing 765 runs and emerging as the top batter, added to the anticipation of India clinching the trophy. However, Australia’s Travis Head and Pat Cummins delivered a stellar performance, leading to India’s defeat.
An emotional Virat Kohli was captured in an unseen video, visibly dejected as he walked towards his teammates while Australian players celebrated their victory on the field. In a moment of frustration, Kohli disturbed the stumps with his cap, reflecting the disappointment of missing out on the championship.
Despite the World Cup setback, the Indian cricket team is gearing up for the upcoming second Test against South Africa with intense practice sessions. Virat Kohli, in particular, has been actively participating in rigorous training, facing both Indian bowlers and net bowlers.
Kohli’s remarkable resurgence as a batter in 2023 marked a return to his prolific run-scoring form after a dry spell from 2020-2022. The year witnessed him breaking historic and seemingly untouchable batting records, reaffirming his status as one of the world’s premier batsmen.
