"Dazed, Hungover": Virat Kohli Makes Big Revelation On 2019 World Cup Semis Defeat
Virat Kohli’s 2019 World Cup Heartbreak: Revealing the Emotional Aftermath of India’s Semifinal Loss
In a candid revelation on the RCB Podcast, former Indian captain Virat Kohli shared the profound emotional impact of India’s heartbreaking loss in the 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand. The defeat, which ended India’s dominant tournament run, left Kohli in a “dazed” state, offering a rare glimpse into the psychological toll of high-stakes cricket on elite athletes.
The Semifinal Saga: A Tale of Two Days
The 2019 World Cup semifinal at Manchester became a dramatic two-day affair due to rain interruption. New Zealand posted a challenging total of 239/8, setting the stage for what would become one of cricket’s most memorable encounters. India’s chase began disastrously, losing three quick wickets for just five runs, a start that would ultimately prove decisive despite a valiant recovery effort.
“That was the first time, actually, after the semi-finals got over and the next morning we were going to leave Manchester. You know, when you wake up and you have no kind of understanding of what you want to do. Like, you are dazed. It was like the feeling you get when you have a horrible hangover,” Kohli revealed, describing his emotional state after the loss.
The Fight Back and Final Moments
Despite the early setback, India showed remarkable resilience. A crucial 116-run partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni brought India back into contention. However, Dhoni’s run-out in the closing stages of the match proved to be the final turning point, as India fell short by 18 runs, being dismissed for 221 in 49.3 overs.
Tournament Highlights
- Rohit Sharma: 648 runs, Avg. 81.00, 5 centuries
- Virat Kohli: 443 runs, Avg. 55.37, 5 fifties
- KL Rahul: 361 runs, Avg. 45.12, 1 century
- Jasprit Bumrah: 18 wickets, Avg. 20.61
- Yuzvendra Chahal: 12 wickets, Avg. 36.83
Processing the Loss
Kohli’s honest admission about his mental state following the defeat provides a unique perspective on how elite athletes cope with significant setbacks. “I had no idea what I wanted to do, whether I wanted to drink coffee, brush my teeth. Like, what is the next step? I was completely gone. I could not make sense of it,” he shared, highlighting the profound impact of the loss.
The Bigger Picture
The 2019 World Cup semifinal marked a significant moment in Indian cricket history. It was Kohli’s last World Cup as captain in the ODI format, followed by his stepping down from T20I captaincy after the 2021 T20 World Cup and Test captaincy in 2022. The leadership baton was subsequently passed to Rohit Sharma, marking the end of an era in Indian cricket.
Legacy and Learning
Kohli’s reflections on the defeat emphasize the importance of acceptance and moving forward in professional sport. “You cannot make sense of these things. You just have to accept things the way they are. Of course, accepting is very hard, to process it is very hard, but you have to get to that point and you have to keep moving,” he concluded, sharing valuable insights into the mindset required to overcome sporting heartbreaks.
Published on May 6, 2025
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