On Day 5 of the WTC final in 2023, Australia defeated India by 209 runs to win the coveted title. With seven wickets in hand and Virat Kohli (44) and Ajinkya Rahane (20) at the crease on the final day, the Rohit Sharma team needed 280 runs. Scott Boland, however, dashed all of India’s aspirations by dismissing Kohli for 49 in the first hour of the day by catching him at second slip.
Following his dismissal, India were unable to recover and were bowled out for 234 runs, delivering Australia a massive victory. After the humiliating defeat, Indian captain Rohit Sharma stated that the team will test a new group of players in the upcoming WTC cycle, depending on the location of the next WTC final.
Obviously, there will be discussions about the team combination, and we’ll determine what’s required and what’s ideal based on the style of cricket we wish to play over the next two years. Who are the men who can fill that position for us? is the query we must answer. And there are a number of guys—a lot of players—who are also performing exceptionally well in domestic cricket,” Rohit said in the post-match press conference.
“Based on where the next WTC final is being played and where we play, we will decide which players to prepare and what style of cricket to play,” he continued.
Notably, India lost their second consecutive WTC final after losing by eight wickets to New Zealand in the inaugural tournament’s final in 2021. The defeat has prompted fans to query the status of some of the team’s veteran players and to desire that the next cycle feature some fresh faces. The schedule for the next WTC cycle has not yet been released; it will be intriguing to see if the next final will also be held in England.
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