Rohit Sharma’s Shocking Confession: Considered Quitting Cricket After 2023 World Cup Heartbreak

Indian cricket stalwart Rohit Sharma has made a candid revelation, admitting that he contemplated quitting the sport following India’s heartbreaking defeat to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

“Cricket Had Emptied Me”: Rohit on Emotional Collapse

Speaking at the Masters Union convocation ceremony, the former India captain opened up about the emotional toll of the loss suffered at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Rohit said the defeat left him completely shattered.
“I was in a state of utter desolation after the final. Cricket had emptied me of everything that mattered, and I felt there was no reason left to continue,” he admitted.

Final Loss That Broke a Dream Run

India had entered the final after an extraordinary run of nine consecutive victories in the tournament. However, the dream campaign ended abruptly as Australia chased down the target, powered by a match-winning century from Travis Head.

Reflecting on the defeat, Rohit said the pain was intensified because he was leading the side. “I had invested everything into that campaign. Being the captain made the failure even more painful. We couldn’t comprehend what went wrong,” he said.

Time Away and Lessons Learned

Rohit revealed that it took him several months to recover emotionally from the setback. The period of reflection, he said, became one of the most important phases of his career, teaching him how to confront disappointment and rebuild mental strength.

From Heartbreak to Historic Success

The comeback that followed has been remarkable. Rohit went on to guide India to the T20 World Cup title in 2024 and later led the team to victory in the Champions Trophy in 2025, cementing his legacy as one of India’s most successful captains.

Fans Applaud Rohit’s Honesty

Rohit Sharma’s candid admission has drawn widespread praise on social media, with fans lauding his honesty, resilience, and leadership. Many noted that his journey reflects how even the greatest athletes endure dark phases before emerging stronger.

His story stands as a powerful reminder that setbacks, even at the highest level, can become stepping stones to greatness.