Gautam Gambhir, a former cricketer for India, told an unheard-of story about the 2011 ODI World Cup final. In which he described how team captain MS Dhoni had encouraged him to score a century.
Numerous stories have been told about Team India’s glorious 2011 World Cup victory at home after beating Sri Lanka in the final.
However, in the 12 years since that memorable day, fans have frequently received “never heard before” stories.
Gautam Gambhir, a former cricketer for India, came up with such on Tuesday. Revealing that MS Dhoni, the captain of Team India at the time, had encouraged him to score a century in the final.
With Mahela Jayawardene scoring a century, Sri Lanka set a target of 275 runs. India lost opener Virender Sehwag in the very first ball of the chase.
Sachin Tendulkar was out for just 18 when Lasith Malinga struck again a few overs later. After that, Gambhir was able to control the flow of wickets with the help of young Virat Kohli.
Before Kohli was bowled and caught by Tillakaratne Dilshan, they put together an 83-run stand for the third wicket.
After that, Gambhir and Dhoni formed a second partnership, this time one that changed the game by 109 runs.
Gambhir made 97 runs in the process. But he fell three runs short of becoming the eighth Indian batter to score a century in an ODI World Cup final.
While attempting to hand the bat to medium-pacer Thisara Perera, he was bowled. Gambhir told Star Sports during the first One-Day International (ODI) match in Guwahati between India and Sri Lanka that he supported Dhoni in his knock and helped him achieve the record.
Because he wanted me to score 100, MS Dhoni was very supportive. He had always desired that I reach 100. He also advised me to “get your hundred, take your time, and don’t rush into it” in between overs. If necessary, I can accelerate, he stated.
Gambhir was eventually run out for 97 runs, and Yuvraj Singh finished the job after that. Dhoni then hit the winning six over the long-on fence with his unbeaten 91. India won their second ODI World Cup trophy by six wickets.