Australia opener David Warner has apologised for his side’s victory over India in the 2023 World Cup final.

Responding to a user on X, formerly Twitter, who complained that Warner had “broken billions of hearts”, Warner said: “I apologise, it was such a great game and the atmosphere was incredible. India really put on a serious event. Thank you all”.

Warner fell for seven in the showpiece clash, with Travis Head’s century driving Australia’s chase of 241. The 37-year-old enjoyed a strong campaign, making two centuries and two half-centuries, and played his part in a stellar fielding effort in the final.

Australia captain Pat Cummins expressed his desire to “silence” the Ahmedabad crowd the day before the final, and his side did just that with a complete performance. India have now gone over a decade without an ICC title, with much anticipation before this World Cup that fans would see Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two legends of Indian cricket, lift the trophy on home soil.

Warner has a close relationship with India’s cricket lovers, often indulging in Bollywood dancing on the outfield and on social media. He defended the World Cup’s light shows after criticism from teammate Glenn Maxwell, and expanded on his praise for the tournament in a post on Instagram.

“Firstly I want to say thank you to India for hosting an absolutely incredible World Cup,” he said. “The effort put into these events are enormous. Thank you to all the people involved behind the scenes, ground staff, people in the dressing rooms, kitchen hands, chefs, hotel staff, security, police, event organisers, the list goes on but most importantly the fans. Road blocks airport chaos when we have to sneak through, your patience is much appreciated. Without you all we can not play the game we all love. I know the result didn’t go [India’s] way but what it was, was an amazing few weeks.”

Source: wisden.com 

BDST:1022 HRS, NOV 21, 2023
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