The World Cup Cricket tournament ended on 19 November 2023, with India losing the final to Australia. A billion plus Indians were heartbroken when the Kangaroos lifted the Cup. Few teams in the world can bear the pressure of expectations of so many as the Indian eleven. And so, well done, India, to win 10 matches in a row.

Clearly, the Aussies were ready for the big day. And the final was an anticlimax for those expecting an Indian victory. Australia cruised to their sixth world cup. Congratulations, Australia!

As is being said, it was only a game. In a shorter version of cricket, it may be adequate for only two players to perform well in order to change the course of the match. And so, it is difficult to predict the outcomes of ODIs.

India-Australia cricket matches reflect the increasing intensity of our political ties. There is a lot to feel good about in this engagement.

Overall, India has been catching up with Australia in terms of big performances. Let us not forget India’s famous victory at Gabba on 19 January 2021. With this India won the series 2-1. How many teams visiting Australia have done that? This series win was no fluke. India had early won a series in that country in 2018-19.

So cheer up, India! Almost everyone in this cricket-crazy nation is an expert and selector. Therefore, one hesitates to even say a few words on technical aspects of the game. But India may have some distance to go before India can boast of an all-weather team like the Aussies.

IPL gives young Indian cricketers the chance to play with some of the best players in the world. But it also allows overseas players to familiarise themselves with India conditions. Therefore, a custom-designed Indian pitch or home conditions may not be a thing to be feared as before. David Warner, for instance, has captained Delhi Capitals and Sunrise Hyderabad.

We have wonderful talent in the team and also waiting for a chance to wear the national jersey. It would seem that we are a team with about 7 batsmen. The last 4-5 do not appear to be contributing with the bat. In much the same way, it would have been useful if a few of our world-class batsmen could bowl a few overs. Of course, the search for a dependable world class all-rounder remains a dream. There is work to be done.

People may in the short-term feel withdrawal symptoms with the no live international cricket matches to watch in the evenings. Cricket enthusiasts may spend a few days more doing post-mortem of the final and other matches. But things will change with matches in India and abroad. The World Cup 2023 will then seem like a dream where India performed brilliantly to reach the final without losing a match. And Australia was comfortable to perform exceptionally well before an audience of over one hundred thousand Indian fans.

Once again, congratulations, Australia! You were a deserving winner! And cheer up, India!