Under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, India lifted the ICC World Cup trophy after 28 years on 2nd April in 2011. And whenever there is talk about the tournament, MS Dhoni’s winning stroke in the finals is remembered. Gautam Gambhir, who was also in the World Cup-winning squad, hit out on social media at the obsession with Dhoni’s famous winning six.
Cricketer-turned-politician Gambhir never stays back to show his disagreement against any cricket related story or match. As all the fans celebrate the 9th anniversary of India’s World Cup win, Gambhir was displeased by a post from a cricket website that highlighted MS Dhoni’s winning six.
Gambhir reminded that the winning credit should be given to the whole team members and the staff behind it. He urged to get out of the obsession of MS Dhoni’s six.
Gambhir wrote on Twitter: ” World Cup 2011 was won by entire India, entire Indian team & all support staff. High time you hit your obsession for a SIX.”
Just a reminder @ESPNcricinfo: #worldcup2011 was won by entire India, entire Indian team & all support staff. High time you hit your obsession for a SIX. pic.twitter.com/WPRPQdfJrV
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 2, 2020
Gautam Gambhir scored 97 in the grand finale:
Many less remember the crucial knock played by the top-order batsman Gautam Gambhir against Sri Lanka in the finale. He handled the pressure when Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar lost their wicket cheaply to lethal bowler Lasith Malinga. Sehwag was dismissed in the very first over while the legendary batter Tendulkar only scored 18 runs before getting out.
In the pressure situation, Gautam Gambhir stitched up a strong partnership with the then young batter Virat Kohli. They both added 83-runs before Kohli lost his wicket. But Gambhir kept scoring runs before getting out at 97 runs though he missed the century, he had set up the game in India’s favour as the pressure was on Sri Lanka.
The final runs were collected by MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh who were at the crease. With four runs left to score, MS Dhoni struck a six to led India to win by six wickets and lift the trophy.
Thus, Gambhir’s knock in the World Cup final is among the most underrated ones in the history of the sport. In fact, Dhoni was named the Man of the Match in the World Cup final for his 79-ball 91.