PM Modi inside Team India dressing room: 'You have worked very hard'. Watch

In a stunning turn of events at the Cricket World Cup 2023, the Indian cricket team, on the cusp of ODI glory after winning 10 consecutive matches, faced a crushing defeat in the final against Australia. The Narendra Modi Stadium, filled with anticipation and a sea of disappointed fans, witnessed a six-wicket victory for Australia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Team India colours in the stands, with Home Minister Amit Shah found themselves consoling a dejected Indian squad in the dressing room.

In a video captured by PIB, Prime Minister Modi addressed the team individually, acknowledging their remarkable journey in the tournament. "You have won 10 consecutive games. This one loss is normal, it keeps on happening. Please smile; the entire country is watching you. I just thought that I should go and meet you people," expressed the Prime Minister, attempting to uplift the spirits of the players.

With a handshake for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, he empathetically stated, "Hota hai (it happens)," recognizing the emotional toll of the defeat. The camaraderie extended to fellow Gujarati player Ravindra Jadeja, where PM Modi shared a light moment, uttering, "Kya babu," in Gujarati, eliciting laughter from both.

Approaching Mohammed Shami, the tournament's top wicket-taker, the Prime Minister embraced him warmly. "Arrey Shami, bahut accha kiya iss baar. (Well done, Shami. You played really well this time)," he commended, patting his back. He also had an exchange with Jasprit Bumrah, asking if he spoke Gujarati. “A little bit,” came the bowler’s response in Gujarati.
In a concluding message to the team, PM Modi acknowledged the squad’s hard work and urged them to stay united, saying, "You guys have worked really hard and played exceptionally well. Just stick together and keep on motivating each other. Also, if whenever you guys are free and are in Delhi, then let's meet again. You all are cordially invited from my side."

India's sensational, undefeated run at the tournament ended in crushing fashion after the Men in Blue lost by six wickets to now six-time champions Australia.