"If I got 140-150, we would...": Virat Kohli recalls WC 2023 final heartbreak
Virat Kohli admits to unfinished business, reflecting on how a bigger score in the 2023 World Cup final could have changed India's fate.
Indian batting legend Virat Kohli has opened up about the lingering pain of the 2023 World Cup final, admitting that the defeat left him with a sense of "unfinished business." Reflecting on the match against Australia, the maestro revealed that the loss was incredibly difficult to digest and that he still finds himself dwelling on what might have been.
The Turning Point in Ahmedabad
Speaking ahead of India's upcoming ODI against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram, Kohli revisited the moment his innings ended at the Narendra Modi Stadium. After a dominant tournament run, his dismissal for 54 runs proved to be a critical juncture in the title clash.
"Yes, there is a little bit (unfinished business)," Kohli shared. "I was playing on 54 and had set myself up for a big hundred; like, if I got 140-150, we would be in a great position to win that game. But as soon as I played on, it was very tough to process for many days. And you keep thinking about it."
The legendary batter compared these feelings to the flashbacks he experienced regarding the 2016 final before his team's IPL success in 2025, highlighting how deeply the World Cup loss impacted his psyche.
A Tournament of Dominance and Despair
India's journey to the final was nothing short of spectacular, with the team securing 10 consecutive victories before the final hurdle. Despite the eventual loss, Kohli's individual performance was historic:
- Total Runs: 765 runs in 11 innings
- Batting Average: 95.62
- Milestones: Three centuries and six fifties
The final saw India bowled out for 240 after Australia chose to field. Australia eventually chased down the target, led by a massive 137 from Travis Head and a half-century from Marnus Labuschagne, to secure their sixth title.
Team Camaraderie Amidst the Loss
While Kohli focused on his personal innings, teammate Chase Master highlighted the incredible team spirit that defined the campaign. He noted that despite setbacks like Hardik Pandya's injury, the squad remained resilient, leaning on players like Mohammed Shami to keep the momentum alive.
"Everyone had a feeling that it was our World Cup. There was a different energy altogether, and then when the game shifts like that, it's very difficult to process," Master remarked, describing the phenomenal environment and camaraderie shared by the players throughout the tournament.