Indian players recollects historic 2007 World T20 triumph in South Africa

MS Dhoni and young Indian brigade won World T20 in South Africa on this day (September 24 ).

India celebrate after winning the maiden World T20 in 2007 | Getty Images

On this day (24th September), 11 years ago, India edged Pakistan by five runs to win the first edition of the World T20 under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. That particular tournament made the world realize who MS Dhoni is. MS Dhoni then went on to win the 2011 World Cup as well as the Champions Trophy 2013  to complete a trio of ICC trophies under his leadership. 

It will be always remembered as one of the greatest days in the history of Indian Cricket and was a moment that every Indian wants to cherish forever. A young Indian Team lifted the maiden ICC World T20 trophy on 24th September 2007 and their win over arch-rival Pakistan made it even more special for Indian fans.

On this special occasion, all-rounder Irfan Pathan and leg-spinner Piyush Chawla and ten Team Manager  Rajput recalled the historic triumph over Pakistan in the rainbow nation.

Rajput told StarSportLive, “It was one of the best receptions we’ve ever had. Mumbai came to a standstill that day. It took us almost eight hours to reach Wankhede Stadium from the airport. People were on the roads, on the streets, on the balconies...just to cheer us up.”

While Pathan and Chawla described the experience of winning maiden World T20 title, as “One of the best moments in my life,”wonderful feeling,” and “it will stay with us forever”memorable” victory.

He further added, “We have some amazing memories. I remember Mumbai stood still and we got a tremendous welcome and it was fantastic. It was stay with us forever. Winning [the title] was important but sharing that victory with all the fans was equally important because without the fans it’s not the same,”

Irfan also said their victory against the host South Africa is also memorable, saying, “I think that was a very special game, beating South Africa in South Africa, because they knew the conditions better than us. Winning the game [to go through to] the semifinals was very important.”

Meanwhile, Chawla explained, “We went there to South Africa a fairly new team, young team, under a new captain. The way we played that tournament, it was a treat to watch - the way R. P. Singh bowled, the way Yuvi bhai batted, the way M. S. Dhoni, the new captain, led from the front, it was wonderful to watch. The memories are still fresh in our minds; I don’t have words to express [my feelings] - as an 18-year-old I was a part of the team. It was a wonderful feeling.”

Interestingly, Indian batting legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, and Anil Kumble had decided to skip the mega ICC event in South Africa as they felt T20 format was for the youngsters in the team.

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 24 Sep, 2018

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