In a riveting showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19, 2023, India faced a devastating defeat in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The nation had been on a triumphant streak, winning all ten matches leading up to the final. However, the dream of clinching the championship slipped away as they managed to score only 240 runs, courtesy of a commendable half-century from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, along with a quickfire start from Rohit Sharma.
The turning point of the match occurred during the second inning when Australian batsman Travis Head delivered a spectacular 137-run innings, steering the game away from India. Head’s remarkable performance mirrored his impact in the ICC World Test Championship final earlier in the year. Despite India’s valiant efforts, the Australian onslaught proved too much to handle.
The defeat left the entire Indian cricket team shattered. Players, including stalwarts like Kohli, Rohit, and Shami, were visibly emotional, with tears flowing freely in the dressing room. The heartbreak extended beyond the players to millions of fans across the country, stunned by the unexpected loss on that fateful day.
Until the final, India’s performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 had been nothing short of extraordinary. The team displayed unparalleled prowess, dominating every opponent they faced. The tournament showcased India’s cricketing excellence, solidifying its position as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
In the crucial final match, Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to field first. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, a consistent performer throughout the tournament, provided a fast start with 47 off 31 balls. However, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer failed to contribute, and the partnership between Virat Kohli and KL Rahul struggled on a slow and dry wicket, resulting in a below-par total of 240 runs for India.
Fact-Check: Did Mohammed Siraj Avoid Meeting PM Modi After The Final?
Adding a political dimension to the sporting spectacle, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the match at the stadium. His gesture of visiting the Indian dressing room to console and uplift the spirits of the dejected players, however, sparked controversy. Opposition parties accused Modi of using the situation for political gains, labeling it an election gimmick. The trolling reached a point where it was claimed that fast bowler Mohammed Siraj deliberately avoided meeting Modi.
Reports circulated that Siraj, engaged in a discussion with coach Rahul Dravid about the loss, strategically chose to stay in the washroom for the duration of Modi’s visit. However, it is crucial to dispel this narrative as a false agenda. Sources close to the Indian cricket team have refuted these claims, stating that Siraj’s absence from the meeting was not intentional.
Modi met with the entire playing eleven, offering words of encouragement and solidarity. The alleged absence of Siraj during this encounter was either coincidental or misrepresented, emphasizing the need to separate political narratives from the sporting arena.
It’s imperative to rely on accurate information rather than sensationalized stories. Siraj’s actions were not driven by any reluctance to meet the Prime Minister but were coincidental. The Indian cricket team, despite the heartbreak, remains united and focused on future endeavors.
Remember this man?
He is Mohammad Siraj, ICT bowler.
He hails from Hyderabad, his team mates call him miyan bhai.
Reportedly On 19th nov, Siraj was discussing with Dravid about the loss when someone told him that Modi is coming.
And when Modi barged into Indian dressing room.… pic.twitter.com/2N34FN6bVi
— Dr Nimo Yadav Commentary (@niiravmodi) November 21, 2023
