‘MS Dhoni was very supportive’ – Gautam Gambhir reveals an interesting unheard story from India’s World Cup 2011 triumph

Nobody will ever forget the moment in 2011 when MS Dhoni “finished off in style” to lead India to their second World Cup victory. In addition to him, Gautam Gambhir contributed 97 runs to the victory. The two stars of Indian Cricket helped a billion fans realise their dream with their vital contributions.

Stories of India’s famous triumph have been told and retold numerous times over the years. Former India batter Gambhir has now revealed yet another intriguing anecdote from that famous night at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. He described how the former India captain encouraged him to take his time and finish his century. Notably, Gambhir was clean bowled by Thisara Perera on 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.

India vs Sri Lanka- 2011 World Cup final

After opting to bat first in the final, Sri Lanka set India a target of 275 runs. In response, Lasith Malinga struck twice early in the innings to dismiss both Virender Sehwag (0) and Sachin Tendulkar (18). However, Gambhir and a young Virat Kohli brought India back into the game with an 83-run third-wicket stand.

After Kohli was bowled for 35 by Tillakaratne Dilshan, Dhoni, rather than Yuvraj Singh, joined Gambhir in the middle. Gambhir and Dhoni then put on a match-winning partnership, adding 109 runs for the fourth wicket before Gambhir was bowled on 97.

Yuvraj Singh, who was named ‘Player of the Series,’ and Dhoni put on an unbeaten 54-run stand to help India cross the finish line. Dhoni scored the game-winning run, a six over long-on. He was unbeaten on 91, while Yuvraj was unbeaten on 21 off 24 balls.