'Heartbroken, still hasn't sunk in' - Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill post heartfelt notes after World Cup defeat

Shreyas Iyer was one of the star performers for the 'Men in Blue' in the 10-team tournament. After Australia won a record-extending sixth ODI World Cup title, the Mumbai batter took to his official 'X' handle and congratulated Pat Cummins' men. He also said that he was heartbroken like every other Indian and thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), his teammates, the support staff, and fans for their relentless support.

"We're heartbroken, it still hasn't sunk in and it won't for a while. My first World Cup was an experience that has taught me so much and made me grateful for everything that's come my way. Thank you to the @BCCI, team management, support staff, my teammates and you the fans for backing us from the beginning right up until the end. And congratulations to the entire Australian team on a marvelous campaign," Iyer wrote.

His teammate Shubman Gill, who also played his first 50-over World Cup, thanked Indian fans for their unwavering support for the team and promised that they won't stop until they end up on the winning side.

"Been almost 16 hours but still hurts like it did last night. Sometimes giving your everything isn’t enough. We fell short of our ultimate goal but every step in this journey has been a testament to our team’s spirit and dedication. To our incredible fans, your unwavering support in our highs and lows means the world to us. This isn’t the end, it’s not over until we win. Jai Hind," the Punjab batter wrote on his X handle. 

Where did Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill finish in list of leading run-getters in CWC 2023? 

Shreyas came back from a severe back injury to play in the Asia Cup 2023. He played the first couple of games before missing the remaining four due to a back spasm. There were doubts whether he would hold up throughout the ODI World Cup 2023 campaign and an in-form Ishan Kishan was also giving him stiff competition for a spot in the playing XI. However, the team management backed the 28-year-old and he didn't disappoint.

Iyer finished seventh on the list of highest run-getters in the World Cup, scoring 530 runs in 11 innings at an average of 66.25 and a strike rate of 113.25. He registered three half-centuries and two centuries during the course of the tournament. India struggled to find a consistent No. 4 batter after Yuvraj Singh's retirement but Iyer might have just solved the long-standing problem.

Gill scored four half-centuries in nine matches but couldn't get the elusive three-figure score. His campaign was quite decent as he finished with 354 runs from nine matches at an average of 44.25 and a strike rate of 106.95. The 24-year-old ended as No. 20 on the list of leading run-scorers in the tournament. There is a lot to look forward to in Indian cricket with young and talented players like Iyer and Gill in the team.