WTC 2023 Final: Despondent Virat Kohli walks past Test mace after Australia's triumph

India's horror run in the ICC finals continued as they lost their fourth consecutive final after being outplayed by Australia in the World Test Championship Final at The Oval. India were relying on former skipper Virat Kolhi to end their trophy drought, but his departure triggered a batting collapse on the fifth day of the summit clash. While the Aussies celebrated their triumph, a despondent Virat Kohli walked past the Test mace, making for a heartbreaking viewing for the Indian fans.

The Asian outfit entered the final day of the summit clash after Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane's unbeaten stand on the fourth day provided them with a glimmer of hope against the dominant Aussies. However, Steve Smith's stunning catch in the slip cordon to dismiss Kohli in the early stages of the morning session landed a body blow to India's chances.

The former Indian skipper was soon joined by all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in the dressing room as Australia took complete control of the game in the morning session. Ajinkya Rahane's defiance didn't last too long either as Australia made light work of the Indian lower order, completing a resounding victory in the summit clash. While Australia revelled in glory, Kohli walked past the Test mace that eluded him during his captaincy reign as well.

This frame of Virat Kohli walking past the Test Mace which he used to own once, feels so heavy 💔 pic.twitter.com/q7hpnqM2yf

— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) June 11, 2023

An age-old deficiency halts Kohli's revival

Talking about his innings, Kohli looked in terrific touch in the fourth innings and was watchful in the morning session. However, the batting ace went fishing outside his off stump against a wide delivery from Boland, leading to his demise just one short of a valiant half-century. His departure meant that Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur remain the only Indian player to breach the 50-run mark in WTC Finals.