Former national selector Sanjay Jagdale reveals MS Dhoni had ensured he will bring the trophy after being appointed as the Indian team captain for T20 World Cup in 2007 in South Africa.
Dhoni, who had made his debut only three years back in 2004, was picked to lead the side in absence of senior cricketers. India had been knocked out of the league stage of the 50-over World Cup the same year, and a title win in shorter format came at the right time.
“This was 2007 and I was a selector. And I was with the Indian team in England, and we were having a one-day series. Dilip [Vengsarkar] was chairman...and we had a meeting for selecting the World Cup 2007 team," Jagdale said in an interview with Sportskeeda.
"So Sachin, Sourav and Rahul had told us, ‘Don’t consider us.’ So we picked a new team, a very young team. And I was in London, I had given my opinion, and Dhoni became captain for the first time,” Jagdale added.
Sanjay had informed Dhoni about the team for T20 World Cup after the last ODI against England. The then youngster had responded with confident words which amazed the selector.
“So after the seventh one day was over, I still recollect in the dressing room I told MS, ‘This is a good team.’ And he said, ‘Sir, World Cup jeetke ayenge (Sir, we will come back with the World Cup).’ I was shocked just seeing the confidence,” Jagdale recalled.
India had defeated Pakistan in a thrilling final to lift the trophy by 5 runs. It was the start of the rise of Dhoni in Indian cricket as a captain.
(With Sportskeeda Inputs)
