Gautam Gambhir, Ashish Nehra React To Arjun Ranatunga’s 2011 World Cup Final Allegations
Jul 15, 2017 at 10:43 AM
Former Sri Lanka skipper Arjuna Ranatunga’s sensational demand for an inquiry into the 2011 World Cup final has not only taken the fans by surprise but also few Indian players who were part of the World Cup-winning squad.
Both India and Sri Lanka had entered the final on the back of some brilliant performances but the Men in Blue outclassed the Mahela Jayawardene-led side by six wickets to win their second World Cup.
And while the title-decider at the Wankhede Stadium was a nerve-wracking experience for the fans of both the teams, as the game swung from one side to another until MS Dhoni sealed the game with a six, Ranatunga suspects a foul play.
“I was also in India giving commentaries at the time. When we lost, I was distressed and I had a doubt,” the World Cup-winning skipper said in a video posted on Facebook.
“We must investigate what happened to Sri Lanka at the 2011 World Cup final. I cannot reveal everything now, but one day I will. There must be an inquiry.”
Ranatunga’s claims, nevertheless, has taken the 2011 World Cup heroes by surprise. Discarded opener Gautam Gambhir, who had top-scored for India with a decisive knock of 97 runs, said: “
“I am surprised by Arjuna Ranatunga’s allegations. These are serious comments by a very respectable voice in international cricket. I think to clear the air, he should back his claims with proofs.”
Another key member of the team, Ashish Nehra, who had missed the final due to an injury, looked hurt with Ranatunga’s claims and said he was disappointed with the comment from a dignified personality.
“I don’t wish to dignify Ranatunga’s comments by airing my views on the issue. There is no end to these kinds of statements. If I question Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup victory, is it in good taste? So let’s not get into it. But yes, it is disappointing when someone of his stature says something like this,” Nehra told PTI.