For former nationwide selector Surendra Bhave, Friday marks the tenth anniversary of India’s second males’s ODI World Cup win. On April 2, 2011, M. S. Dhoni launched Nuwan Kulasekara into the stands over long-on to finish a 28-year-long wait.
Needing 275 to win, India misplaced Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag early, however Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli revived hopes with a third-wicket stand of 83. Then, Dhoni promoted himself forward of the in-form Yuvraj Singh and pulled off the best chase in a World Cup remaining. Not solely did this win change the course of Indian cricket, but it surely additionally reaffirmed the nation’s standing because the undisputed nerve centre of world cricket.
‘Sea of blue’
Bhave, who was a member of the choice committee that picked the 2011 World Cup squad, recalled the thunderous applause and peals of pleasure that enveloped Mumbai on that fateful evening.
“I feel Chika [K. Srikkanth, then chairman of selectors] acquired a name saying that our cabs weren’t going to have the ability to choose us from the stadium. With India profitable the title, that they had blocked out Marine Drive on both facet for regular visitors. It was great to get out of Wankhede and stroll with individuals for some time,” mentioned Bhave. “These sorts of humbling experiences stick with you. After strolling for 10-Quarter-hour, a taxi driver, a Chika fan, picked us up and dropped us on the lodge. As soon as we acquired there, we switched on the TV and realised that Marine Drive had became a sea of blue!”
Whereas the main focus remained riveted on the World Cup win, it emerged that Yuvraj, the Participant of the Event, had been troubled by bouts of coughing and vomiting throughout the event. He was later recognized with most cancers and underwent chemotherapy within the U.S.
Bhave lauded Yuvraj’s toil and tenacity. “What stood out was Yuvraj’s efficiency. Superb, isn’t it? Nobody knew on the time that he was placing up with a medical hindrance… To have come out with 4 Man of the Match awards speaks volumes about his contribution,” Bhave mentioned. “With the World Cup occurring in India, Yuvraj, along with his barely unorthodox bowling model, was an ace up our sleeve. His batting was one thing else altogether… Every time Yuvraj acquired it proper, he was a few rungs above everybody else in white-ball cricket. And he was the type of participant who revelled on the large stage. We, as selectors, knew he would bowl effectively on Indian pitches.”
‘The additional glue’
The method of whittling the record all the way down to probables started throughout Australia’s tour of India in 2010-11. “It was the President’s XI sport in Chandigarh on the Sector 16 floor (September 25-27, 2010),” recalled Bhave. “Head coach Gary Kirsten spoke to the choice committee and the precise work on World Cup probables began. Within the lead-up to the World Cup, say, six months earlier than, we had a topsy-turvy efficiency… However we’re all glad that the followers acquired behind the gamers… The gamers type of knew that it was going to be Sachin’s final World Cup, so that may have offered the additional glue it’s good to bind the crew collectively. All of us had this sense that one thing particular was about to occur and it was wonderful to see our premonitions come true.”
A steely 97 from Gambhir stored India’s innings collectively within the remaining. The southpaw struck 9 fours in a 122-ball innings. “Gauti was a distinct type of participant. He generally gave you that early thrust within the energy play… However within the center overs, he’s so misleading,” mentioned Bhave. “In case you had Gauti batting for 20-25 overs in a 50-over match, then you definately have been assured to get a giant complete as a rule. His talent in opposition to spin bowling – stepping out and placing it over additional cowl – that made positive no two spinners may bowl in tandem and tie India down.”
Gambhir’s indomitable spirit was matched by Dhoni’s chutzpah. The Indian skipper, who had promoted himself to No. 5, hit a rollicking 91 that included eight fours and two sixes. He focused the additional cowl boundary, scoring six of his eight fours via that area. Bhave gave an perception into Dhoni’s sport plan that evening: “He focused very totally different areas in opposition to Murali (Muttiah Muralitharan). That was additionally considered one of his strengths as a batsman: He would goal zones the place you’d seldom have a boundary rider. He hits that sq. lower and it passes the additional cowl on the left facet and the sweeper cowl has no probability to intercept the shot. That’s how a lot energy he generated.”
It was additionally a particular second for Tendulkar, who lastly received the World Cup in his sixth try. “It was fulfilling to see Sachin win the World Cup. Take a look at what he did for Indian cricket and there aren’t any greater rewards in cricket than profitable the World Cup and the person well-deserved it.”
Revealed on Apr 02, 2026