Speaking to Star Sports in the wake of Australia’s seven-wicket win over India in the 2023 World Cup final, former India batter Kaif said: “I can never accept that the best team has won the World Cup. The Indian team is the best team on paper.”

Responding to a quote of the comment on X (formerly Twitter), Warner wrote: “I like MK (Kaif), issue is it does not matter what’s on paper. At the end of the day you need to perform when it matters. That’s why they call it a final. That’s the day that counts and it can go either way, that’s sports. 2027 here we come.

I like MK, issue is it does not matter what’s on paper. At the end of the day you need to perform when it matters. That’s why they call it a final. That’s the day that counts and it can go either way, that’s sports. 2027 here we come 👍 https://t.co/DBDOCagG2r

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) November 22, 2023

India went into the final in Ahmedabad unbeaten in the tournament to that point. However, they were bowled out for 240 by Australia, who went on to win the game with seven overs to spare thanks to Travis Head’s 137 off 120 balls. The win gave Australia their sixth trophy in men’s ODI World Cups, and left India still searching for another men’s ICC trophy following their home World Cup win in 2011.

The tournament was expected to be Warner’s last for Australia after his announcement that he intended to retire from international cricket after the 2024 T20 World Cup. Warner, who is 37-years-old, scored 535 runs in the tournament and hit two centuries. However, the end of his post leaves the door open for the next edition of the tournament, which will take place in South Africa in 2027. If Warner does compete in that tournament, he will be 41-years-old.