Kuldeep Yadav (BCCI Photo)
NEW DELHI: It seems the wounds of losing the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia still linger for Team India and its fans. One year after India's defeat in the November 19, 2023, final, spinner Kuldeep Yadav found himself facing online criticism for his performance in that crucial match.
As discussions about India’s World Cup journey resurfaced, with fans reflecting on the missed chance for a home triumph, Kuldeep became the focus of harsh criticism.
This prompted him to address an offensive social media post that blamed him for Team India’s loss.
Kuldeep, who had been one of India’s standout bowlers throughout the tournament, struggled in the final. He went wicketless and conceded 56 runs in his 10 overs, which some fans highlighted as a key factor in India’s defeat.
In response to a particularly offensive comment questioning his performance and the lack of widespread criticism against him, Kuldeep hit back with a sharp reply.
"Hanji kis cheez ki dikkat hai apko, itna pyara likhne ke liye paise mile ya koi Jati dus mani hai [Yes, what’s bothering you? Did you get paid to write something so lovely, or do you have some personal enmity with a caste?"], Kuldeep wrote.
Australia, riding on Travis Head's magnificent century, ended India's unbeaten run in the 2023 ODI World Cup with a commanding 6-wicket victory in the final, claiming their record-extending sixth World Cup title.