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India’s journey in the recently concluded ODI World Cup was a tale of resilience and extraordinary performance, marked by a remarkable winning streak of ten matches. Their dominance throughout the tournament was captivating, showcasing their exceptional talent and determination. However, their dreams of lifting the coveted trophy were dashed in the final against Australia, leaving a sense of heartbreak among Indian fans.
After losing the toss, India was put to bat first by Australian captain Pat Cummins. As had been the case throughout the tournament, Indian captain Rohit Sharma provided a blistering start, scoring at a rapid pace. However, once Sharma fell, Australia seized control of the innings, stifling India’s run-scoring momentum. Despite valiant efforts from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, who both contributed half-centuries, India was restricted to a modest total of 239.
Tasked with defending a below-par score, India made a valiant start, capturing three early wickets to send a wave of hope through the packed Narendra Modi Stadium. The entire venue roared in support of the Men in Blue, and the prospect of a third World Cup title seemed within reach. However, Australia’s Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne extinguished India’s hopes with a formidable partnership worth 192 runs, effectively sealing Australia’s victory. Australia eventually emerged victorious, claiming the coveted World Cup trophy for a record-extending sixth time.
Post the game, there was a lot of debate amongst pundits and fans over the surface that India opted for in the Final. Quite a few of them reckoned that India played on a pitch that proved disadvantageous to their brand of cricket.
Now, West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sparked a fresh controversy, claiming that India would have emerged victorious in the World Cup final had the match been played at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens or Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium instead of Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Her comments also hinted at a perceived growing saffronization of the Indian cricket team, linking it to a broader political agenda. “They are trying to paint the entire country saffron. We are proud of our Indian players, and I believe that we would have won the World Cup if the finals had taken place in Kolkata or Wankhede”, she said.
She also attributed India’s loss to the presence of “sinners” at the match. “The Indian team played so well that they won all the matches in the World Cup, except the one attended by the sinners,”
Here’s how ‘X’ reacted to the statement by Banerjee:
Has Mamata didi forgotten the 1996 WC Semis which was a huge debacle for Indian team ?!
— Sumit Agarwal 🇮🇳 (@sumitagarwal_IN) November 23, 2023
Last time a semi final was played in Kolkata, this happened pic.twitter.com/dsY2gYXrwd
— Syed Irfan Ahmad (@Iam_SyedIrfan) November 23, 2023
Please stop mixing politics with Cricket..
Don't spoil a beautiful game pic.twitter.com/LJZaPtbvgM— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) November 23, 2023
Nope, They have to play on the ground where Aamir Khan's 'kachra' had dismantled the England team. That ground would have been the best to create history!
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) November 23, 2023
Riyal reason pic.twitter.com/69Cfne275I
— 💙 (@Alreadysad__) November 23, 2023
Better team on that won. Stop these statements
— RottenPotato (@AvadaxKedavara) November 23, 2023
Better cricket knowledge spotted..
Should have definitely gone with a pitch and venue which suits the Indian style of play..
In Ahmedabad, it became like we play in Dubai which is neutral for both teams.. No advantage there for us— Sanjumon (@starringSANJU) November 23, 2023
Unfortunately She's Right
— Junaid Khan (@JunaidKhanation) November 23, 2023
