India’s relentless pursuit in ICC events has been a rollercoaster journey, marked by triumphs and heartbreaks. The nation last tasted glory in 2013 when they clinched the Champions Trophy against England. The World Cup victory in 2011, led by the astute captaincy of MS Dhoni against Sri Lanka, stands as a cherished memory for Indian cricket enthusiasts. The inaugural triumph in 1983 under Kapil Dev’s leadership, where they defeated the mighty West Indies in the final, remains an iconic moment in Indian cricket history.
As the much-anticipated World Cup 2023 final approached, optimism filled the air for Indian fans. The team’s impeccable performance in the group stage, winning all nine games and triumphing over New Zealand in the semifinal, fueled expectations of another glorious victory. However, fate had other plans, and Australia proved to be the stumbling block, reminiscent of the World Cup in 2003.
The correlation between India’s World Cup victories and the political landscape is noteworthy. The years 1983, 2007, 2011, and 2013, when India secured World Cup triumphs, coincided with periods of Congress rule. These victories not only brought cricketing glory but also served as symbolic moments in the nation’s socio-political context.
Despite the historical successes, India’s recent track record in ICC events has been marred by disappointment. The 2014 World Cup final saw India facing a setback, losing to Sri Lanka by six wickets. The semifinals of the 2015 World Cup witnessed a defeat against Australia, who emerged victorious by 95 runs. The trend continued in the 2016 World Cup semifinals, where West Indies triumphed by seven wickets, followed by a crushing loss in the 2017 Champions Trophy final to Pakistan by a staggering 180 runs.
The quest for another World Cup title in 2019 faced a roadblock in the semifinals, with New Zealand securing an 18-run victory. The inaugural World Test Championship final in 2021 witnessed another defeat, this time against New Zealand by eight wickets. The struggles extended to the 2021 T20 World Cup group stage, where India finished third in Group B, facing an early exit.
The disappointment persisted into 2022, as India suffered a loss in the World Cup semifinals to England, who emerged victorious by ten wickets. The World Test Championship final in the same year witnessed another defeat, this time against Australia by a significant margin of 209 runs. The culmination of the woes occurred in the much-anticipated World Cup 2023 final against Australia, where despite a valiant effort, India succumbed to a six-wicket loss.
The recurring theme of close misses and heartbreaking defeats has left Indian cricket fans yearning for another taste of international glory.
India in ICC events in last 10 years
| Year | Tournament | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | WC Final | LOST | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets |
| 2015 | WC SF | LOST | Australia won by 95 runs |
| 2016 | WC SF | LOST | West Indies won by 7 wickets |
| 2017 | CT Final | LOST | Pakistan won by 180 runs |
| 2019 | WC SF | LOST | New Zealand won by 18 runs |
| 2021 | WTC Final | LOST | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| 2021 | WC Group Stage | LOST (3rd in Group B) | — |
| 2022 | WC SF | LOST | England won by 10 wickets |
| 2023 | WTC Final | LOST | Australia won by 209 runs |
| 2023 | WC Final | LOST | Australia won by 6 wickets |
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