KL Rahul pens emotional note after ODI World Cup final disappointment vs Australia, posts 'it hurts'

India’s wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has penned an emotional note to the fans after the Men in Blue finished runners-up against Australia in the ODI World Cup final. Rahul, named in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Team of the Tournament, saw the Indian team outclassed left, right and centre as they lost by six wickets in the final of the ODI World Cup on Sunday (Nov 19) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Four days after the painful defeat, Rahul took to his X handle and posted‘it hurts’ with pictures of him and the rest of the Indian side.

Rahul feels the pain

India, unbeaten in the entire tournament before the World Cup final, were restricted to 240 runs in their 50 overs which turned out to be an easy chase for the Aussies. Rahul was India’s top scorer in the final with 66 but never got going as India lost wickets at consistent intervals. Virat Kohli scored 54 runs in the final while Rohit Sharma made 47 before he was scalped.

In reply, despite having the Aussies at 47/3,the match-winning innings from Travis Head saw the Aussies through. Head scored 137 runs before he was scalped in the penultimate over of the World Cup.

Earlier, star spinner Kuldeep Yadav also opened up on the painful defeat. Kuldeep stated he and Team India have taken pride despite the defeat that saw India remain the second-best side in the World Cup.

"Our journey from Chennai to Ahmedabad ended in a disappointing result, but we take pride in our achievements over the six weeks. Despite the pain, we're determined to work harder for the next opportunity," Kuldeep said.

"While the pain of defeat lingers, we must move forward; life continues, and healing takes time. The Cup was beautiful, but it seems God had other plans. Navigating this moment, it's time to switch off and recharge. Dealing with this setback is tough, but we hold onto faith, believing in the journey ahead," he said.

The Indian team will now face Australia in a five-match T20I series with a fresh vein of blood as Suryakumar Yadav takes guard as skipper. The series will see big guns like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Rahul rested with an eye on the South Africa tour in December.