'Travis Head didn’t touch a single ball' - Rahul Dravid recounts how stars did not align in World Cup 2023 final

Every batter, no matter what legacy he carries behind him, feels butterflies in his stomach facing the new ball at the start of the innings. Even the carefree, Virender Sehwag has admitted to being nervous while opening. Though Travis Head sailed Australia’s ship through the ODI World Cup 2023 final, there were moments he could have capitulated. Former India Head Coach, Rahul Dravid highlighted the less talked about aspect of the infamous final. 

Indian pacers dominated the whole tournament but November 19, 2023, was not their night. Defending a target of 241, they picked David Warner first up but Head was at the crease hustling. The length balls from Jasprit Bumrah troubled him and his struggle was palpable as Mohammed Shami turned eighth over into maiden with Head on strike. Dravid pointed out that luck was not on India’s side as the Australian batter failed to connect almost 15 deliveries at the start. 

"I remember whatever it was, we beat Travis Head’s bat 15 times — he didn’t touch a single ball. You know, things can go your way sometimes, but you have to stick to the process. I’ve had time to reflect on it. I’ve had time to reflect on a lot of things we’ve done. You do realise, sometimes, you have to do a lot of these things, you have to do the process, you have to do everything right," said Dravid at the CEAT cricket awards event. 

“Sometimes at the end of the day, you need a little bit of luck. Sometimes (it is) the skill, but we needed a guy who could keep his foot within one inch of a line," Dravid concluded.

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Bumrah brought some luck in India's favour but in vain

Speaking of luck, India did have luck riding on them when Steven Smith was given LBW (Leg Before Wicket) on the last ball of the seventh over bowled by Jasprit Bumrah. The ball missed the off stump and Smith did not bother taking a review. 

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The fifth ball of the 28^th over brought in another chance as Bumrah delivered an angled ball targeting the right-handed Marnus Labuschagne's leg-stump, The umpire, and third umpire stayed with not out decision as Harsha Bhogle exclaimed- "By millimetres does fate of major events hang!" while on air.