After missing the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 triumph, India’s Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill is all set to make his return to action in the upcoming IPL 2026. Before leading the Gujarat Titans, Shubman Gill made his dream clear at the BCCI Awards 2026.
The heartbreak of the ICC World Cup 2023 still lingers in the minds of Indian cricketers. After dominating the entire tournament with an unbeaten run, the Men in Blue fell just one step short of glory in the final against Australia in Ahmedabad.
2023 World Cup heartbreak is still fresh in Team India’s mind
That painful defeat has now become a powerful motivation for the team as they set their eyes on the next big prize in 2027. The 2023 ODI World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium remains one of the most emotional moments for Indian cricket fans.
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India had entered the final with a perfect record, and expectations were sky-high as millions of fans were waiting to witness the repeat of 2011 glory. However, Australia, as promised, delivered the biggest setback and left the entire country heartbroken by lifting their record sixth title.
Shubman Gill sets eyes on 2027 World Cup mission
The loss left the players in tears. Now, Shubman Gill has made it clear that the biggest mission for the team is to win the ICC World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The skipper believes that playing another World Cup in different conditions will be a fresh opportunity for India to prove its strength once again, and he is ready for this huge responsibility.
Shubman Gill said on Star Sports during the BCCI Awards ceremony, “Definitely, it does. That is the ultimate goal. We felt like we were so close last time when we were here in the final in India. To be able to get another crack at it in South Africa, it’s going to be a great opportunity for us. Winning a World Cup in any format for the country is the ultimate goal. So obviously, that is something that sometimes runs in my mind.”
Suryakumar Yadav still haunted by 2023 World Cup Final loss
Meanwhile, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav also reflected on the heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup final. He said that night remains one moment he would love to experience again and change the result of.
Suryakumar said at the event, “Definitely, the 2023 World Cup final at Ahmedabad. I’d [I would] love to replay that and win it.”
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Following that painful defeat, the Men in Blue bounced back strongly by winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, which became a turning point for Indian cricket. They continued their strong run by lifting the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, followed by the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 and, most recently, the T20 World Cup 2026 at home under Suryakumar’s captaincy.
Suryakumar reflects on India’s winning momentum
The stylish batter feels 2024 title glory created a new winning mindset and now the players believe they have found the formula to succeed in big ICC tournaments.
Suryakumar explained, “I think we just needed that one spark, or one step, which we actually crossed in 2024, and post that, the 2025 Champions Trophy, then the women’s team winning that ODI World Cup back in 2025, and then the men winning in 2026.
That one step was important; that taste was important for everyone to understand what it takes to win an ICC trophy. Now, there is no looking back. If this wonderful thing has started, let’s try and collect as many [trophies] as possible.”