Rohit Sharma, the former Indian cricket captain, has shared his personal struggles and the heartbreak he faced after India’s loss to Australia in the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup. In a candid revelation, the 38-year-old admitted that the defeat had taken a significant emotional toll on him, leading him to contemplate retirement from cricket. The loss, coming after a dominant run in the tournament, left Rohit feeling physically and emotionally drained. This article delves into Rohit Sharma’s personal journey, the challenges he faced, and how he overcame his feelings of devastation to continue his cricket career.
November 19, 2023, was a date that Indian cricket fans will never forget. After a remarkable journey through the tournament with 10 consecutive wins, India’s hopes were dashed in the final by Australia. The Men in Blue lost by six wickets, and despite a dream run, Rohit Sharma’s team fell short when it mattered the most. Playing a World Cup at home after 12 years, the expectations were sky-high, and the entire nation was behind them.
India’s dominant performance throughout the tournament was remarkable, with wins over major teams like Australia, England, and Pakistan in the group stages. The semifinal against New Zealand saw a memorable spell from Mohammed Shami, who claimed seven wickets, helping India reach the final. But when the final came, Rohit Sharma’s men could not seal the deal, and Australia emerged victorious, with Travis Head’s match-winning hundred being the deciding factor.
Rohit Sharma’s Emotional Struggles After the World Cup Loss
In an emotional revelation, Rohit admitted that he was completely devastated after the final loss. He stated that the defeat left him feeling like he had “nothing left” and questioned whether he wanted to continue playing the sport. “After the 2023 World Cup final, I was completely distraught and felt like I didn’t want to play this sport anymore because it had taken everything out of me,” Rohit said.
The loss was especially hard for Rohit, as he had invested so much into the World Cup. Since taking over the captaincy in 2021, Rohit’s sole goal had been to win a World Cup, and failing to do so left him feeling completely drained. “It was a very tough time for me personally because I had put everything into that World Cup, not just two or three months before it, but ever since I took over the captaincy in 2022,” he added.
Rohit Sharma took some time to process the loss, and it took him a couple of months to recover from the emotional setback. “It took me a couple of months to recover and bring myself back,” he confessed. He realized that his love for the game and his desire to achieve his goal of winning a World Cup kept him going. Slowly, he regained his energy and found his way back onto the field.
Rohit’s return to form and determination to continue playing were crucial. His hunger for success was reignited as he shifted his focus towards future challenges. “Slowly, I found my way back, regaining the energy and getting myself moving again on the field,” he said.
The T20 World Cup Victory: A Massive Relief for Rohit Sharma
Less than a year after the heartbreak of the 2023 World Cup, Rohit Sharma led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the Americas. This triumph was significant for Rohit, as it helped him overcome the pain of the 2023 ODI World Cup loss. For Rohit, winning the T20 World Cup was a massive relief after the emotional toll of the 2023 World Cup.
“I guess when you invest so much into something and don’t achieve the result, it’s a very natural reaction. That’s exactly what happened with me. But I also knew that life doesn’t end there. It was a big lesson for me on how to deal with disappointment, reset, and start fresh,” Rohit reflected.
Although Rohit Sharma has retired from T20Is and Tests and was removed from the ODI captaincy earlier in 2025, he continues to play in the 50-over format. His ultimate goal now is to end his career with a final shot at the 2027 ODI World Cup. Rohit has made it clear that the 2023 World Cup loss will not define his career. Instead, he aims to give his best and continue striving for greatness in the final years of his cricketing journey.
“My only goal was to win the World Cup, whether it was the T20 World Cup or the 2023 World Cup. So when it didn’t happen, I was completely devastated. There was no energy left in my body. It took me a couple of months to recover and bring myself back,” said Rohit, reflecting on the heartbreak of the 2023 World Cup.
Rohit Sharma’s journey after the 2023 World Cup final loss is a testament to his resilience and love for the game. Despite the heartbreak, he has managed to overcome his struggles and continue pursuing his ultimate goal: winning a World Cup before his career ends. The 2027 World Cup remains his final target, and his comeback story serves as an inspiration for cricket fans worldwide.
FAQs
Q1: What did Rohit Sharma say about his 2023 World Cup experience?
Rohit Sharma revealed that the loss in the 2023 World Cup final devastated him emotionally. He admitted that it took him several months to recover from the loss and that he even contemplated retirement after the defeat.
Q2: How did Rohit Sharma overcome his feelings of devastation after the 2023 World Cup?
Rohit Sharma overcame his emotional struggles by reminding himself of his love for the game and his goals. Slowly, he regained his energy and focus, leading him to successfully captain India in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Q3: Is Rohit Sharma still playing cricket after the 2023 World Cup?
Yes, Rohit Sharma continues to play in the 50-over format and aims to make a final attempt at winning the 2027 World Cup, even after retiring from T20Is and Tests.
Q4: What were Rohit Sharma’s goals as captain of India?
Rohit Sharma’s main goal as captain was to lead India to a World Cup victory, particularly in the 2023 ODI World Cup. His leadership in that tournament helped India reach the final, but the team ultimately fell short.
Q5: What impact did the 2023 World Cup loss have on Rohit Sharma’s career?
The loss in the 2023 World Cup final was a difficult moment for Rohit Sharma, as he had invested heavily in the tournament. However, it led to a period of reflection, and Rohit came back stronger, leading India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup.