How many World Cup finals have India played? What is their record in ICC CWC finals?

Mohit Khakhar

How many World Cup finals have India played? What is their record in ICC CWC finals? image

India lost out on a chance to win a historic third ODI World Cup title, having just been beaten in the final of the 2023 Cricket World Cup.

The Men in Blue defeated New Zealand to book their place in the final of the 2023 edition. But lost to Australia in the final at Ahmedabad.

Let us look at India's past record in ICC World Cup finals.

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How many World Cup finals have India played?

India has played four ODI World Cup finals. The Men in Blue have also played two T20I World Cup finals.

In total, India have played six World Cup finals in the shorter formats of the game, winning three of them.

Interestingly, the only team that has defeated India in an ODI World Cup final is Australia.

India's record at ODI World Cup Finals

Year Opposition Result Venue
1983 West Indies India won by 43 runs The Lord's, London
2003 Australia Australia won by 125 runs Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
2011 Sri Lanka India won by 06 wickets Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
2023 Australia Australia won by 6 wickets Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

1983 

In their first-ever ODI World Cup final in 1983, India faced the defending champions West Indies. Kapil Dev's men got bowled out for a meagre 183 against the then two-time champions. Kris Srikkanth (38), Sandeep Patil (27), and Mohinder Amarnath's (26) were India's topscorers.

In response, the Indians knocked the Windies for 140 runs, recording a 40-run victory and what was then considered a huge upset. Mohinder Amarnath put in an all-rounder's performance, picking three wickets. Madan Lal and Balwinder Sandhu picked three and two wickets respectively.

2003

After a 20-year break, India faced Australia in the 2003 World Cup final. The Aussies scored a mammoth 359 runs in the final, with Ricky Ponting (140) scoring a century. The Men in Blue faced a crushing defeat by 125 runs. India were bowled out for 234, with Virender Sehwag scoring a brave knock of 82. Glenn McGrath picked three wickets, while Andrew Symonds and Brett Lee picked two wickets each.

MORE: Controversy over Wankhede pitch for India vs NZ World Cup semifinal: Have India prepared a slow surface deliberately?

2011

In 2011, India hosted the ICC ODI World Cup and reached the final. The hosts emerged triumphant against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede in the finale. After electing to bat, Sri Lanka posted 274 runs, courtesy of a well-made century by Mahela Jayawardena (103).  Chasing 275, Gautam Gambhir (97) and MS Dhoni (91*) ensured India won its second ODI World Cup title.

India has reached its fourth ODI World Cup final now, 12 years after making its last appearance. India will face Australia at the 2023 World Cup Final on November 19, 2023, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

2023

India went into the 2023 World Cup final against Australia as the outright favourites. But they were trumped by Australia who put India to bat first and bowled them out for 240. 

Though India reduced Australia to 47/3, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne steered Australia to a comprehensive win.

India's record at T20I World Cup Finals

Year Opposition Result Venue
2007 Pakistan India won by 5 runs Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
2014 Sri Lanka Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur

2007

India played the final of inaugural edition of T20I World Cup. They faced arch-rivals Pakistan in Johannesburg. Batting first, India posted 157 on the board, courtesy of Gautam Gambhir's 75. Umar Gul picked three wickets for Pakistan. In response, Pakistan were bowled out for 152. Irfan Pathan and RP Singh picked three wickets for India on the night. 

2014

India were favourites to win the 2014 T20 World Cup final. However, they were upset by Sri Lanka at Mirpur. Batting first, India posted a below-par total of 130. Virat Kohli made 77 for the Men in Blue. Sri Lanka scored 134 runs in under 18 overs, with Kumara Sangakkara scoring 52.

MORE: Kohli makes history, scores 50th ODI Ton to surpass Sachin Tendulkar's record

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Mohit Khakhar

Mohit Khakhar Photo

Mohit Khakhar is a content producer for The Sporting News India.