India coach lauds 'exceptional leader' Rohit Sharma after Cricket World Cup final loss

20.11.2023 - 06:33 thenationalnews.com

India coached Rahul Dravid lauded captain Rohit Sharma as "an exceptional leader" after the hosts lost out on a first Cricket World Cup in 12 years with defeat to Australia in Sunday's final.

India arrived at a packed and frenzied Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as heavy favourites after winning all 10 of their games at this World Cup.

They came up short, however, against an Australia side who capped off a superb year with a six-wicket win. India, despite their vast riches, are without a global title since the 2013 Champions Trophy.

Rohit smashed a quickfire 47 before Australia hit back and bowled out the hosts for 240 despite fifties from Virat Kohli (54) and KL Rahul (66). "I think he has been an exceptional leader," Dravid said. "Rohit has really led this team fantastically well. "Just think he has given so much of his time and energy in the dressing room with the boys.

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KL Rahul didn't play with a "do-or-die" mindset as he didn't want to expose India's tail-enders, which is probably one of the biggest reasons for host country's World Cup final defeat, feels Pakistan legend Wasim Akram. Batting first, India posted a modest total of 240 in 50 overs and Rahul scored a painstaking 66 off 107 balls with a solitary boundary to his credit. "If I have to pick any particular reason, I suppose the middle order should have played with a ‘do or die' mindset," he told Star Sports.

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