October 7th marked the eve of India’s inaugural match in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup against Australia. Less than 24 hours before the crucial game, Rohit Sharma found himself in the press conference room at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. As is typical with Rohit’s media interactions, this one was candid and captivating.
However, the atmosphere had its share of intensity, particularly when Rohit was questioned about his aspiration to secure an ODI World Cup, the only white-ball trophy that has eluded him in his cricketing career. The Indian captain’s fervent desire for victory was evident as he expressed his “desperation” to lift the coveted trophy, balancing pragmatism in his responses. In true Rohit fashion, he concluded his answer with a touch of optimism, stating, “but yeah, it will be nice to win a World Cup,” eliciting smiles from those present. It was the kind of concluding remark one might use in a vulnerable conversation with a friend to lighten the mood.
Over the subsequent 42 days, Rohit and his team exhibited a remarkable performance, drawing comparisons to the Chicago Bulls’ last dance in the 1997-98 NBA season. The strategic planning, the change in leadership with Rohit as captain and Rahul Dravid as head coach, and the cohesive unit formed despite multiple injuries to key players all seemed to align as India embarked on a journey to script a fairytale victory in the home World Cup. However, sports rarely follow a fairytale script, and Australia emerged victorious in the final, silencing a billion fans and adding another chapter of heartbreak to India’s ICC events.
Despite the disappointment, as 2023 draws to a close, the year proved to be noteworthy for Indian cricket. A Test series triumph against Australia, reaching the final of the World Test Championship, a dominant run to the ODI World Cup final, and a smooth transition in the shortest and longest formats showcased a year that most teams would gladly embrace.
Former Indian cricketer Hemang Badani echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the brand of cricket played by the team. “We played a brand of cricket which I like, and I’m quite excited about what’s the future for us,” said Badani, acknowledging the unfortunate outcome in the finals but expressing excitement for the future.
Beyond the consistent performance and the brand of cricket displayed, the standout aspect was the seamless transition of younger players into the national team. Yashasvi Jasiwal, Rinku Singh, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and B Sai Sudharsan seamlessly filled the shoes of established players, with Jaiswal even scoring a century on Test debut. Badani attributes this smooth transition to the Indian Premier League (IPL), stating that the IPL has made the bridge between domestic and international cricket seamless for the younger generation.
The narrative of a smooth transition without a senior ICC trophy is mirrored in the performance of the Indian women’s cricket team in 2023. Winning the inaugural U19 T20 World Cup, the introduction of the Women’s Premier League, reaching another T20 World Cup semifinal, and historic Test wins against England and Australia underscored a remarkable year for the women’s team.
Under the newly-appointed head coach Amol Muzumdar and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, the women’s team showcased promising talent scouted by WPL franchises. The likes of Saika Ishaque, Shreyanka Patil, Shubha Satheesh, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Pooja Vastrakar are making significant contributions, providing hope for the future.
As the focus shifts to 2024, with two T20 World Cups ahead, both the men’s and women’s teams are gearing up for the challenges. While the men’s team prepares for a Test series in South Africa, discussions around Rohit Sharma’s potential return to lead the T20 side are underway. Hemang Badani emphasizes the importance of clear communication from the selectors and team management regarding players’ roles and availability for the global event.
The year 2023 concludes with a sense of anticipation for the T20 format and a reflection on the successes and setbacks. While the outcome of the T20 World Cups remains uncertain, one thing is evident—the next generation looks ready, offering hope and the promise of a better 2024 for Indian cricket.