The story of Team India’s magnificent 2011 World Cup victory at home after defeating Sri Lanka in the final has been told and retold numerous times. Nonetheless, in the 12 years since that memorable day, fans have frequently been treated to a “never-heard-before” story. On Tuesday, former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir revealed how then-Team India captain MS Dhoni encouraged him to score a century in the final.
After Sri Lanka set a 275-run target with a century from Mahela Jayawardene, India lost opener Virender Sehwag on the first ball of the chase. Lasith Malinga struck again a few overs later, dismissing the dangerous Sachin Tendulkar for 18 runs.
Gambhir was then able to stem the flow of wickets with the help of young Virat Kohli. The pair put on an 83-run stand for the third wicket before Kohli was caught and bowled by Tilakaratne Dilshan. Gambhir then stitched another partnership, this time a game-changing one of 109 runs with Dhoni.
Gambhir scored 97 runs en route, falling three runs short of becoming the eighth Indian batter to score a century in an ODI World Cup final. He bowled while attempting to pass the charge to medium-pacer Thisara Perera. Speaking to Star Sports during India’s first ODI against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, Gambhir revealed how supportive Dhoni was of his knock, encouraging him to break the record.
“MS Dhoni was very encouraging because he wanted me to get a perfect score. He was always expecting me to get a hundred. ‘Get your hundred, take your time, and don’t rush into it,’ he said between overs. If necessary, I can speed up.
Gambhir was eventually dismissed for 97 runs, and Yuvraj Singh later provided the finishing touches before Dhoni hit the winning six over the long-on fence in his unbeaten 91 as India won by six wickets to claim their second ODI World Cup trophy.
