' But you got to find a way to move on and look forward' - Rohit Sharma reflects upon ODI World Cup 2023 Final loss against Australia

India entered the 2023 ODI World Cup final  after having secured victory in ten consecutive matches in Ahmedabad and also as the favorites against Australia. However, a subpar batting performance led to a six-wicket defeat for the Men in Blue. This allowed Pat Cummins-led side to clinch their sixth world title. Meanwhile, key players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah opted for a break from international cricket, with their return anticipated in the upcoming two-match series against South Africa.

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Leading up to first Test match, captain Rohit Sharma shared his thoughts on the final of World Cup 2023. In his first press appearance since the defeat, the star India opening batter expressed the difficulty in moving on from the loss. Rohit even emphasized on the need to shift focus to the future. Acknowledging the considerable support from fans, he also noted that he is now concentrating on his batting in preparation for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

“The way we played in the World Cup, you expect to go all the way. We worked hard for the cup. There are certain things we didn't do well in the final. It is hard after a loss like that. But you got to find a way to move on and look forward. We got a lot of encouragement from the outside world. That motivated me personally. As a batter, I am batting as well I could. Whatever is in front of me, I'll look forward to it,” Rohit Sharma said during a press conference.

We’ve never clinched a series here: Rohit Sharma

Moreover, in a lighthearted tone the skipper Rohit Sharma also remarked that given their collective efforts, the team deserves a victory. The team is also aiming for a series win against the Temba Bavuma-led side South African side. While unsure if it will ease the pain of the World Cup loss, the star opening batter is determined to make history by becoming the first Indian captain to win a Test series in South Africa.

“We’ve never clinched a series here, so it would be a significant achievement if we manage to do it. I’m not sure if it can completely erase the pain of the World Cup defeat, but achieving this would indeed be a positive outcome. We’ve put in so much hard work, so we deserve this, at least to some extent,” Rohit Sharma added.