For the first time since the night of November 19, when India fell to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, captain Rohit Sharma has spoken about that heartbreaking setback in Ahmedabad. Yes, a nearly tearful Rohit addressed the post-match presentation ceremony, and then the Indian skipper went underground to take a long break.

Despite being named in India’s Test squad for the South African series, Rohit remained silent for the longest period until Wednesday. In a heartfelt video, the captain explained the variety of feelings he and the rest of the players felt as they struggled to come to grips with the outcome. It’s been about a month since India’s World Cup agony, and Rohit has naturally healed as he thanked the fans for their constant support.

I had no idea how to come back from this. The first few days, I didn’t know what to do. After the final, it was very hard to get back and start moving on, which is why I decided that I needed to get my mind out of this, Rohit expressed. But then, wherever I was, I realized that people were coming up to me and were appreciating everyone’s effort, and how well we played. I feel for all of them. They all, along with us, were dreaming of lifting that World Cup, Rohit added.

I’m really proud of the team as well. Because how we played was simply outstanding. You don’t get to perform like that every World Cup. And I am pretty sure I am, at least, how we played up until that final, it would have given people a lot of joy, a lot of pride watching the team play, Rohit concluded.