NEW DELHI: The Indian team remained undefeated throughout the ICC ODI World Cup until they reached the final, where they faced the formidable Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, and lost the title clash to the Pat Cummins-led side.
India, who were playing at home and were top favourites on paper, defeated Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the Netherlands to enter the semifinals.
In the semifinals, India, riding on magnificent centuries from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, posted a mammoth 397 and then skittled New Zealand for 327 to enter the title clash.
1/10:Virat Kohli's top achievements in 2023
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2/10:The run machine
<p>Batting maestro Virat Kohli had an outstanding 2023, where he excelled across formats. From Tests, to ODI World Cup to IPL, the run-machine rewrote a plethora of records.<br /></p>Getty Images
3/10:The best at World Cup
<p>Kohli had a stupendous ODI World Cup at home as he finished the tournament as the highest run-scorer for the first time. Kohli raked up 765 runs in 11 matches in the competition at an average of 95.62.<br /></p>TOI Sports
4/10:3 tons at World Cup
<p>At the ODI World Cup, Kohli smashed three tons and 6 half-centuries during India's run to the final.<br /></p>Getty Images
5/10:Historic!
<p>At the World Cup, Kohli also became the first ever batter to notch up 50 centuries in the ODI format. He brought up the milestone against the Kiwis in the semi-final.<br /></p>Getty Images
6/10:Going past the legend!
<p>With the 50th ODI ton, Kohli also broke legendary Sachin Tendulkar's (49) record of most tons in the format.<br /></p>Getty Images
7/10:1500 runs at cricket's carnival
<p>Kohli also became the second Indian player after Sachin Tendulkar to complete 1500 runs in the ODI World Cup.<br /></p>PTI
8/10:500 matches for the country
<p>Earlier in the year, during the Test against West Indies, Kohli became the fourth player to represent India in 500 international matches.<br /></p>PTI
9/10:First ever to score 7000 IPL runs
<p>In the IPL 2023, Kohli became the first batter to score 7000 runs in the world's biggest T20 league. Kohli, who started playing IPL in 2008 for RCB, brought up the landmark in the league game against Delhi Capitals.<br /></p>TOI Sports
10/10:Fastest to Mount 13,000
<p>The fastest man to 10,000 ODI runs, Kohli, during the 2023 Asia Cup also became the fastest to score 13,000 runs in the format. Kohli brought up the feat in the clash against Pakistan. <br /></p>Getty ImagesBut things didn't go as planned for India.
India, who defeated Australia in the group stage, suffered a six-wicket defeat in the grand finale.
In an unseen video, which went viral on social media, Virat appeared disheartened after the World Cup final concluded.
As the Australian players celebrated their win on the field, Kohli silently walked towards the stumps and disturbed bails with his cap.
WATCH:
Three centuries and six half-centuries - that's how Kohli stamped his authority in the quadrennial event.
In 11 matches, Kohli scored 765 runs at an astonishing average of 95.62. He now has the most runs in a single World Cup edition.
