“MS Dhoni Was…” Gautam Gambhir Shares ‘Unheard Tale’ From 2011 World Cup Final
More than 12 years after defeating Sri Lanka in the championship match on home soil to earn their second title, India will host the ODI World Cup later this year. Stories of India’s illustrious victory have been told and retold countless times over the years. Gautam Gambhir, a former Indian batter, has now clarified yet another intriguing incident that took place on that well-known night at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. He explained how the late MS Dhoni had advised him to take his time and finish his century. Gambhir was famously clean bowled by Thisara Perera at 97.
“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’,” Gambhir said on Star Sports, after India defeated Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI in Guwahati on Tuesday.
After deciding to bat first in the championship match, Sri Lanka gave India a 275-run target. In response, Lasith Malinga struck twice in the first over to get rid of both Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag (18).
However, after scoring 83 runs for the third wicket, Gambhir and a young Virat Kohli restored India’s position in the match. Rather than Yuvraj Singh, Dhoni unexpectedly joined Gambhir in the middle after Tillakaratne Dilshan removed Kohli on 35.
Then, before Gambhir was bowled for 97, he and Dhoni added 109 runs for the fourth wicket to win the match. Dhoni and Yuvraj put up an unbroken 54-run stand to carry their team to victory, earning Yuvraj the title of “Player of the Series.”
Dhoni scored the game’s final point with a six over long-on. Yuvraj was 21 not out after 24 balls, while he was still unbeaten at 91.
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