It’s been 13 years since MS Dhoni smashed Nuwan Kulasekara over long-off to help India lift their second ODI World Cup title. On the 13th anniversary of the famous ODI World Cup win, Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru asked its cricketers to ponder on the memories of that famous World Cup win. Cricketers talked about the tension during the game, the feeling after winning the World Cup and how people’s perception regarding cricket changed after the World Cup win.
Best match I’ve ever watched: Vyshak
Young Indian pacer Vijaykumar Vyshak was asked about his feelings on the World Cup win. He said, “2011 World Cup final was the best match I’ve ever watched. That winning moment was very special for every Indian as we felt very proud,” Vyshak said.
Will never forget that night in Wankhede: Kohli
Virat Kohli was instrumental in India’s 2011 World Cup win, stitching an important partnership with Gautam Gambhir during a tough period. When Kohli was asked to reminiscence on the win, he said, “The fact that we played in Wankhede and won is always going to be the most special thing. Winning in front of your home crowd is an experience I will never ever forget. That night and songs like ‘Vande Mataram’ being played. The goosebumps that we all felt is always going to be a core memory for me.“
I switched the TV off: Akash Deep
Akash Deep described the tense atmosphere when Lasith Malinga got rid of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag early in the final.
“When Malinga got rid of Sehwag and Sachin early in that final, my heartbeat became faster and I stopped watching TV,” he said.
Akash Deep also provided a perspective on how the cricketing atmosphere changed in the country after the win.
“Our lives changed a lot after that World Cup win. Because our country’s perception regarding cricket changed. People started supporting cricket. Every state began producing good cricketers,” he said.
“At the start, we lost quick wickets. But then Virat and Gambhir built a crucial partnership. I really like Gambhir’s innings. And at the end, MS Dhoni’s six was the best thing,” said Mohammed Siraj.
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