ODI World Cup: In April 2011, in front of an electric atmosphere at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India emerged victorious in the ICC Men’s World Cup. While MS Dhoni’s final six off Nuwan Kulasekara is etched in memory, Gautam Gambhir’s pivotal contribution often goes overlooked despite its significance in securing India’s win.
Gautam Gambhir cruises India to ODI World Cup victory
Facing a target of 275 runs, India’s position was worrisome at 0/1 when Gambhir took the crease. His remarkable innings transformed the momentum of the match. The opener wasted no time, dispatching the first ball he encountered for a boundary against the formidable Lasith Malinga, offering a glimpse of his performance. However, a setback followed as Malinga struck once more, this time dismissing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in the seventh over, leaving India struggling at 31/2.
Virat Kohli entered the ground and, alongside Gambhir, forged a vital 83-run partnership. The pair kept the scoreboard ticking, opting to capitalize on loose deliveries without exposing themselves to undue risk, a strategic approach perfectly suited to India’s requirements during that phase of the match. Gambhir’s innings continued to flourish, and he reached his fifty in 56 deliveries, propelling India towards the target. Unfortunately, Kohli’s time was short-lived at the crease, as he was caught and bowled by Tillakaratne Dilshan after scoring 35.
Surprising many, captain MS Dhoni elected to promote himself to the fifth batting position. The two batsmen united to craft a monumental 109-run partnership. Gambhir adopted the role of the anchor, while Dhoni assumed the role of the aggressor during this legendary partnership. Having played alongside each other since their India A days, their remarkable synchrony on the field was a delight to behold.
Although Gambhir narrowly missed out on a World Cup final century, falling to Thisara Perera in the 42nd over, he had undoubtedly fulfilled his responsibilities for the team. Gambhir’s gritty innings yielded 97 runs from 122 balls, including nine boundaries, at a strike rate of 79.51.
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Subsequently, Dhoni and Player of the Tournament Yuvraj Singh successfully navigated India to victory. Dhoni contributed 91 runs from 79 balls, while Yuvraj remained unbeaten on 21 from 24 deliveries.
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