In the 2019 World Cup semi-final, India faced New Zealand in a low-scoring, rain-affected match at Old Trafford. The Kiwis set a modest target of 240 runs for India to chase. The top-order batting, usually a powerhouse, crumbled, leaving fans in despair. It seemed like a dark cloud had descended upon the Indian team as wickets fell like a pack of cards. The hopes of millions were dwindling.

Amidst the gloom, a ray of hope emerged in the form of MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja. The duo formed an extraordinary 116-run partnership for the eighth wicket, showing unwavering determination and resilience. They defied the odds, taking India closer to an improbable victory. Their heroics briefly rekindled the spirits of fans, but it was not to be.

Despite the valiant efforts of Dhoni and Jadeja, India fell short of the target by an agonizing 18-run margin. New Zealand emerged victorious, securing a place in the final. The loss was devastating, and it left a scar on the hearts of Indian cricket fans.

During the ODI World Cup 2023 match between India and New Zealand at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium in Dharamsala, Sanjay Bangar, the former Indian cricketer and coach, shed light on the emotional aftermath of that heart-wrenching 2019 World Cup semi-final loss. He revealed that the weight of defeat was so overwhelming that it brought even the toughest players, including the iconic MS Dhoni, to tears. The dressing room, usually filled with camaraderie and celebration, witnessed a rare moment of vulnerability.

“It was a heartbreaking moment for all the players as India were playing excellent cricket. We won seven matches in the league phase, and to bow out like that was not good. Players cried like kids. MS Dhoni was crying like children. Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant had tears in their eyes. Such stories remain in the dressing room,” Bangar said during the commentary.

Bangar’s revelation provides a rare glimpse into the profound impact such moments can have on the emotions of cricket players. It reminds us that behind the stardom and the tough exteriors, cricketers are human, with feelings and emotions that run deep. The 2019 World Cup loss was not just a defeat; it was a shared emotional experience that united players and fans in their love for the game.

In the ODI World Cup 2023 match against New Zealand, India showcased their dominance with a disciplined bowling performance. Mohammed Shami was the standout performer, picking a five-wicket haul (5/54) to restrict New Zealand to 273/10 in 50 overs.

India’s reply began with a solid opening partnership between Rohit Sharma (46) and Shubman Gill (26), providing a solid platform with 71 runs on the board. However, it was Virat Kohli who shone brightest, steering the team with a match-winning 95 off 104 balls. India found themselves at 191/5 in the 34th over, but Kohli’s heroics ensured victory was within reach. Ravindra Jadeja (39 not out) partnered with Kohli to seal the deal with two overs to spare.

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