Reliving the Glory: Dhoni’s Insights on the 2011 ICC World Cup Victory
Reliving the Glory: In a recent conversation, former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni delved into his emotions during the tense 2011 World Cup final and reflected on the possibility of experiencing a similar atmosphere in the upcoming ICC World Cup. Let’s explore Dhoni’s perspective on this historic moment and its significance.
It has been over a decade and a half since India won the 2011 ICC World Cup at home, thanks to a game-winning six from then-captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni against Sri Lanka. After the 1983 victory, it was India’s first World Cup victory in 28 years. Now, Dhoni has shared an intensely emotional moment from the nail-biting final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium while reliving the glory of 2011 final.
The fifteen to twenty minutes before to the winning moment was the best sensation. There was plenty of dew, the partnership was in a good place, and we didn’t require many runs. Vande Mataram was sung in the stadium at that point. I think it would be really hard to duplicate that mood. However, it can only be repeated if the event is comparable to that (in 2011) and there are roughly forty, fifty, or sixty thousand people singing,” Dhoni stated in an ICC event on Sunday in Mumbai honoring India’s victory in the World Cup twelve years ago, during a conversation with former Australian batsman Mike Hussey.
When Dhoni joined Gautam Gambhir in the frantic chase, India was at 114 for 3, after Sri Lanka had amassed a total of 274 for 6 in the allocated 50 overs. To lead India home, the captain amassed 91 runs without losing.
Prior to forming an undefeated fifth wicket partnership of 54 runs with Yuvraj Singh, Dhoni was first involved in a 109-run stand for the fourth wicket with Gambhir.
Dhoni stated that, for him, the winning fifteen to twenty minutes preceded the winning six was the pivotal moment rather than the six-hitting moment.
In my opinion, I was at my most emotional fifteen to twenty minutes prior, not during the victorious moment. I also wanted to finish it at the same time. From here on out, we knew we would prevail, and the odds were stacked against us. Therefore, Dhoni stated, “Yeah, you know it was more of a sense of satisfaction, job done, let’s move on from here.”
The former captain of India also discussed how the 2011 World Cup was one of his most significant professional experiences. Under Dhoni’s leadership, India won their second World Cup victory while playing at home. Never does it get any larger than that. As basic as it may be, I always firmly believe that you should keep your eyes on the goal. The moment you reach your goal, that’s when you can fully enjoy it. And you become more fixated on the outcome the instant you begin to consider the reasons for your desire to win. That’s when you start putting too much strain on yourself, Dhoni said.
The victory also marked the first World Cup victory for Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, whose wait for a World Cup crown came to an end with the trophy. Dhoni also disclosed that he discussed their thoughts over the feat and gave some thought to Tendulkar’s dream.
Yes, we all knew that this was Paaji’s final World Cup, and we felt compelled to support him. However, you frequently have this thought in your head that God has given him everything. And God withholds one thing from each person. Is this the 50-over World Cup that God has determined he will hold onto? We promised to do our hardest and to give it everything we had. We were thrilled to win in the end, but the entire team and the support personnel had to put in a lot of work, Dhoni added.
