India’s One-Day International captain Shubman Gill has made it clear that lifting the 50-over World Cup next year remains the team’s ultimate ambition, as they look to move past the heartbreak of their 2023 final defeat.
India had enjoyed a dominant run during the 2023 ODI World Cup on home soil, going unbeaten all the way to the final in Ahmedabad. However, their campaign ended in disappointment after losing to Australia in the title clash.
Speaking at the Indian cricket board’s awards ceremony on Sunday, Gill reflected on that near-miss and the motivation it continues to provide. “We felt like we were so close last time,” he said, acknowledging how narrowly the team missed out on the trophy.
With the next edition scheduled to be held across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October-November next year, Gill believes the tournament presents a fresh opportunity for redemption. “To be able to get another crack at it in South Africa, it’s going to be a great opportunity for us,” he added.
Despite India’s recent success in the shorter format — including back-to-back T20 World Cup victories — Gill emphasized that winning the ODI World Cup remains a special objective. “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,” he said.
India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav echoed similar sentiments, highlighting how recent triumphs have instilled a winning mentality within the squad. The 2024 T20 World Cup victory, he suggested, marked a turning point for Indian cricket.
“That one step was important; that taste was important for everyone to understand what it takes to win an ICC trophy,” Suryakumar said during the ceremony.
He pointed out that the success has extended beyond just one format, with the men’s team also securing the Champions Trophy and the women’s side clinching their first-ever ODI World Cup title last year.
With confidence running high and momentum firmly on their side, Suryakumar believes India is entering a new era of sustained success. “Now, there is no looking back. If this wonderful thing has started, let’s try and collect as many (trophies) as possible,” he said.
As preparations begin for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Gill’s focus underscores India’s determination to turn past disappointment into future triumph on cricket’s biggest stage.
