Many times have been recounted and repeated again how Team India won the 2011 World Cup at home after defeating Sri Lanka in the final. However, in the twelve years after that special day, fans have frequently received a “never-heard-before” tale. Earlier this week, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir revealed how then-Team India captain MS Dhoni had pushed him to hit a century in the championship game.
Mahela Jayawardene’s century helped Sri Lanka set a target of 275 runs, but India’s opener Virender Sehwag was out in the first delivery of the chase. A few overs later, Lasith Malinga struck once more to knock the dangerous Sachin Tendulkar for just 18. Then, with the help of a capable Virat Kohli, Gambhir was able to stop the flow of wickets. Before Kohli was dismissed, the two shared an 83-run third-wicket stand due to a superb Tilakaratne Dilshan catch and bowl. Gambhir and Dhoni afterwards formed a 109-run partnership, which was crucial to the outcome.
Gambhir reached the goal with 97 runs, falling three runs short of becoming the ninth Indian player overall and the first to reach a century in an ODI World Cup final. While attempting to pass the bat to medium pacer Thisara Perera, he was caught and bowled. During the first ODI between India and Sri Lanka in Guwahati, Gambhir stated to Star Sports how supportive Dhoni was of his performance, inspiring him to set the record.
“MS Dhoni was very supportive because he wanted me to get a 100. He always wanted me to get a hundred. He told me between overs as well that ‘get your hundred, take your time and don’t rush into it. I can accelerate if there is any need to’,” he said. Gambhir was finally bowled out for 97 runs, Yuvraj Singh provided the finishing touches, and Dhoni hit the game-winning six over the long-on fence in his unbeaten 91 as India defeated Pakistan by six wickets to claim the second ODI World Cup trophy.