The dust has settled. India lost after Pakistan showcased a champion performance on the night of the final, and outplayed the Men in Blue in all three departments of the game. From their defeat by 124 runs in the league match, to their comprehensive victory by 180 runs – Pakistan wove a fairy tale for themselves in Champions Trophy 2017. But now it’s time to look at finer aspects of the game – like Captain Kohli who couldn’t stop gushing about his opponents in the face of defeat.
As a team which ended up on the losing side of a final, it would have been the easiest thing for Kohli and Co. to sulk and nobody would have blamed them. But being the fierce competitor that he always been, Kohli led by example for the team as he flashed his 1000-watt smile heartily congratulating his arch rivals for a thoroughly deserved victory.
He even mentioned at the post-match presentation that it was important to concede when the opponent played better than you. He even said how proud he was of his team’s effort to reach the final. It was obviously disappointing to lose the final, but someone like Kohli understands that losses like these will only serve as a lesson and an inspiration for the team in the near future.
We should all be super proud of our Indian captain for showing as much graciousness in defeat, which is a remarkable quality found in champion sides. As for finals, there will be many more in the future and if the team learns from this, there will be greater successes. Better luck next time India, excellently played Pakistan. You deserve all the celebration.