World Cup 2023 Final: Virat Kohli Bags Final 'Fielder Of The Match' Medal After Heartbreak Against Australia | Watch

World Cup Final 2023: How do you take away the life from a jubilant dressing room? Deliver them defeat.

Running high on a 10-win victory streak, India were poised to end a 12-year wait for a World Cup triumph. However, the elusive final hurdle became a stumbling block again as Australia defeated Men in Blue by six wickets in the ODI World Cup 2023 Final, securing their record-extending sixth title.

The Indian dressing room, initially jubilant thus far in the tournament, experienced a stark shift in emotions. The 'Fielder of the Match' ceremony took place for the final time, with Virat Kohli crowned the winner for the second time in the tournament. Despite the heavy hearts, the fielding coach, T Dilip, announced the winner, acknowledging the efforts of the players.

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The BCCI shared video featured previous winners of the fielding medal, with Virat Kohli, Shardul Thakur, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav among the winners.

The fielding coach addressed the team, acknowledging the disappointment said, "Guys, I know it's tough, and we all feel the pain, but that's what it is. We did everything possibly right, and still, the result is not in our favor."

Kohli, recognised for his outstanding contribution, received praise from the coach before being announced as the winner.

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"Today's winner, he's been a terrific player. He sets himself up great standards and every time he goes on the field, he just does magic. And the best part is that he not only does his job so well but his actions inspire so many people," Indian fielding coach said.

 

 

 

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In the match, Kohli's brilliant catch of David Warner off Mohammad Shami's outswinging delivery brought India into the match even though for a brief period. Notably, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid were absent from the medal ceremony.

Kohli was honoured with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Player of the Tournament, a fitting recognition for his exceptional performance. His aggregate of 765 runs in the tournament surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's previous record of 673 runs in the 2003 edition. The Indian maestro concluded the tournament with an outstanding average of 95.62 and a commendable strike rate of 90.31.