Rohit Sharma Reflects on World Cup Heartbreak and Future Aspirations
Rohit Sharma Opens Up About World Cup Disappointment
Gurugram (Haryana) [India], December 21: Former Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma has shared his feelings regarding the disappointment following the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. He expressed that the loss to Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad left him and the team heartbroken.
In the final match, India faced off against Australia, where the team led by Pat Cummins executed their strategy flawlessly. India batted first, scoring 240 runs, but Australia successfully chased down the target with six wickets remaining. Travis Head's century and Marnus Labuschagne's fifty were pivotal in securing the World Title for Australia.
During the Masters' Union Convocation 2025 event, Rohit described the moment as particularly challenging for him, emphasizing that his primary ambition upon taking the captaincy in 2022 was to win a World Cup.
He stated, "Everyone was incredibly disappointed, and it was hard to comprehend what had transpired. Personally, it was a very tough period because I had invested so much into that World Cup, not just in the months leading up to it but since I became captain. My sole aim was to win the World Cup, whether it was the T20 or the 2023 edition. When that didn’t materialize, I felt utterly devastated. I had no energy left, and it took me a couple of months to recover and regain my focus."
Rohit mentioned that the experience served as a significant lesson, prompting him to quickly shift his attention to the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, which India ultimately won against South Africa in Barbados.
He reflected, "When you pour so much effort into something and don’t see the desired outcome, it’s a natural reaction to feel disheartened. That’s exactly what I experienced. However, I realized that life continues. It was a crucial lesson in managing disappointment, resetting, and starting anew. I knew the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies was on the horizon, and I had to redirect my focus towards that. It’s easy to say now, but at that moment, it was incredibly tough."
At one point, he admitted to feeling like he wanted to step away from the sport entirely, as it had drained him emotionally. He needed time, energy, and introspection to bounce back. "I kept reminding myself of my love for the game, that it was right in front of me, and I couldn’t let it slip away so easily," he added.
Masters' Union, a prominent business and technology institution in India, hosted its Annual Convocation Ceremony for the Class of 2025, with Rohit Sharma serving as the Chief Guest, as reported by a release.
In his keynote address, Rohit shared insights about his journey, emphasizing the significance of resilience, discipline, and intent in achieving long-term success. He discussed the importance of learning from challenging beginnings, adapting to change, and maintaining composure amid uncertainty, drawing parallels between cricket and leadership.
Rohit Sharma remarked, "Transitioning into the next phase of your life is a significant step, but it should be approached with excitement rather than fear. Challenges will always arise, but they are what bring out the best in you, as they did in my journey. This institution has equipped you well for what lies ahead, so move forward with confidence, embrace the future, and enjoy the journey. These years are irreplaceable, so cherish the moments, stay curious, and continue to find new reasons to be excited about life."