"Literally thought I don't want to play this sport anymore" - Team India star's massive revelation over 2023 World Cup heartbreak

Team India batting star Rohit Sharma recalled the tough time he went through after the 2023 World Cup final loss. The right-handed batter revealed that he thought of quitting the sport, claiming he had given his everything to make India win the coveted trophy.

Led by Rohit at home, the Men in Blue breezed their way to the final, beating every team comfortably. The hosts faced Australia in the decider in Ahmedabad in front of a record crowd. India were restricted to a below-par 240 after winning the toss. Headlined by Travis Head's ton, Australia chased it with six wickets to spare and lifted the title, causing a monumental upset.

Speaking at a masters union event in Gurgaon on Sunday, the 38-year-old stated that he needed time to come to terms with the stunning defeat and look ahead to the T20 World Cup the following year.

"It was a tough pill to swallow but I knew life doesn’t end here. It was a lesson for me, ‘how can I leave it behind and start something fresh’ because life doesn’t end there. I knew there was something else coming up, the T20 World Cup 2024 in USA and West Indies and I had to put all my focus there. It’s very easy to say for me right now but it was very difficult to do it at that time. At one point, I literally thought that I don’t want to play this sport anymore because it has taken everything out of my body and I don’t have anything left in me. "It took me a little while to get back because I kept reminding myself that this is something that I love and dreamt of. It is right there in front of me and I cannot let it go so easily. It took a little bit of time and plenty of energy to get back on the field and start going again."

The explosive opener was the second-highest run-getter in that tournament with 597 runs in 11 innings at 54.27 with one century and three fifties.

---

Rohit Sharma likely determined to represent Team India in 2027 World Cup

Rohit Sharma. (Image Credits: Getty)

Meanwhile, Rohit, along with Virat Kohli is seemingly determined to return for India to help them lift the trophy in 2027. Having retired from Tests and T20Is, the duo are active only in ODIs as far as international cricket goes.

The star duo are likely to play in the upcoming edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy to prepare for India's ODI series against New Zealand, beginning on January 11.

Follow IPL Auction 2025 Live Updates, News & Biddings at Sportskeeda. Get the fastest updates on Mega-Auction and cricket news

Edited by Sankalp Srivastava