The annals of Indian cricket in ICC events since 2013 narrate a tale of immense skill, fierce battles, and, unfortunately, a recurring theme of unfulfilled dreams. The pain of coming close to glory only to witness it slip away has become an unwelcome companion in the team’s journey.
2014 T20 World Cup Final: A Bitter Start
The year 2014 marked the beginning of a series of near misses. Losing the T20 World Cup Final that year was a bitter pill to swallow. It set the tone for what would become a pattern of reaching the final frontier but faltering at the last hurdle.
2015 World Cup Semi-final: Another Close Call
The World Cup in 2015 brought its own set of heartbreaks. A semi-final loss intensified the longing for the elusive trophy, leaving fans and players alike grappling with the ‘what could have been’ sentiment.
2016 T20 World Cup Semi-final: The Agony Continues
The T20 World Cup in 2016 witnessed yet another semi-final exit. The agony of falling short despite promising runs through the tournament became a painful echo, and the team yearned for redemption.
2017 Champions Trophy Final: A Missed Triumph
The Champions Trophy in 2017 seemed like the perfect stage for redemption. However, a loss in the final once again left the team agonizingly close to triumph, with the trophy slipping through their grasp.
2019 World Cup Semi-final: The Heartbreak Persists
The 2019 World Cup campaign mirrored the familiar script. A semi-final loss left fans and players disheartened, as the dream of lifting the coveted trophy remained elusive.
2021 World Test Championship Final: Test of Resilience Ends in Defeat
The World Test Championship final in 2021 brought the red-ball format into the narrative, but the result remained unchanged. India faced defeat, and the resilience displayed in Test cricket couldn’t alter the overarching theme of unfulfilled aspirations.
2022 T20 World Cup Semi-final: A Recurring Nightmare
The T20 World Cup in 2022 followed suit. Another semi-final exit, and the haunting question of ‘what if’ lingered in the cricketing corridors.
2023 World Test Championship Final: Déjà Vu Strikes Again
As the World Test Championship final returned in 2023, so did the familiar outcome. India faced defeat, reopening the wounds of the past and leaving fans grappling with a sense of déjà vu.
2023 World Cup Final: The Pain Persists
The 2023 World Cup final was the latest chapter in this saga of almosts. Despite reaching the pinnacle, victory remained elusive, adding another layer to the never-ending pain etched in the memories of Indian cricket enthusiasts.
A Quest Unfinished
The narrative of India in ICC events since 2013 is one of undeniable talent, fierce determination, and a quest for glory that remains tantalizingly unfinished. As the team continues to strive for excellence, the pain of near misses becomes a driving force, fueling the aspiration to turn the page and script a new chapter of triumph on the grandest stages of international cricket.
