2023 ODI World Cup India: The Tournament That Nearly Went Perfect
India's run through the 2023 ODI World Cup — 10 wins from 10 group and semi-final matches, Virat Kohli's record-breaking tournament, the final against Australia and how India were beaten in Ahmedabad, and what the tournament meant for Indian cricket's World Cup psychology.
The Perfect Group Stage
India won all 10 of their matches in the 2023 ODI World Cup — hosted entirely in India across 10 venues. They topped the group table ahead of South Africa and Australia, defeating every team they faced. Virat Kohli scored six centuries during the tournament — breaking Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI hundreds by reaching 50 in the group stage and adding further. Rohit Sharma batted explosively at the top; Shami took wickets in every match.
India's Bowling Dominance
Mohammed Shami was the tournament's outstanding bowler, finishing with 24 wickets at under 10 runs each — the third highest tally in any single World Cup. He only played after an injury to Hardik Pandya forced a selection change. Jasprit Bumrah controlled the powerplay; Kuldeep Yadav spun out middle-order batsmen. India's bowling attack was considered the best collective bowling unit of the tournament by most analysts.
The Final: Australia Win
India faced Australia in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad — the world's largest cricket ground. India were bowled out for 240; Australia chased 241 with 7 wickets to spare. Travis Head scored 137, striking at over 140. India's three batsmen (KL Rahul, Rohit, Virat) all fell in the first session for moderate scores. Australia won their sixth ODI World Cup. India's perfect tournament record ended at the final hurdle, continuing a pattern of ICC tournament finals losses that has haunted Indian cricket since the 2007 T20 World Cup win.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the Player of the Tournament at the 2023 World Cup?
Virat Kohli won Player of the Tournament, with Mohammed Shami receiving the top bowling award. Travis Head's 137 in the final won him Man of the Match, though his tournament overall statistics were less dominant than Kohli's accumulated runs.
Has any team ever won an ODI World Cup after being unbeaten through the entire tournament including the final?
Australia went unbeaten through their 2003 World Cup campaign (including the final). The 2023 World Cup was the most discussed 'unbeaten run that fell at the final' case — India's 10-0 pre-final record uniquely strong before losing the final.