The 2011 World Cup triumph will always be etched in the memories of Indian cricketers and fans. It was India’s second World Cup win after 28 years.
On April 2, 2022, the country is rejoicing the 11th anniversary of World Cup victory and veteran batter Virat Kohli, who was part of the winning squad, also shared a fascinating anecdote from the final match against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium.
Speaking on RCB’s YouTube channel, Kohli revealed a piece of advice he received from the legendary Sachin Tendulkar as he walked out to bat in the final.
Chasing 275 to win, Team India were reeling at 31/2 when Kohli joined Gautam Gambhir in the middle. The duo shared an 83-run stand for the third wicket to bail the team out of trouble and Kohli contributed 35 in it.
In the end, Gambhir (97) and then skipper MS Dhoni (91*) stole the show as the hosts chased down the target with 6 wickets in hand and 10 balls to spare.
"I remember the pressure of walking into bat, at 2 down for 20. Sachin and Sehwag both got out. Sachin paaji had a brief chat with me when I walked in. He said 'build a partnership. We did build a partnership, me and Gautam Gambhir, and we added 90 runs," Kohli said.
"Probably the most valuable 35 that I scored in my cricketing career. I was very happy that I was a part of putting the team back on track, and contributed in whatever way I could."
Virat Kohli also recalled the electrifying atmosphere at the Wankhede Stadium, saying the memories of the crowd singing Vande Maataram still remains fresh.
"The thrill of winning the World Cup was something unbelievable. The whole atmosphere of the crowd singing Vande Mataram and Joh Jeeta Wohi Sikander's song, it was a surreal moment and that's something that's is still so fresh in our memories."
After the World Cup triumph, Kohli had lifted Sachin Tendulkar on his shoulders along with teammates and took the victory lap.
"Tendulkar has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years; It was time we carried him. Chak de India," he had also said a famous line for his idol.
Looking back at those words, Virat said: "I said what I said. It was true."
"His legacy had to be taken forward and those were massive shoes to fill. I think we have all tried to contribute to Indian cricket close to what he can but I think his achievements are so great and so far-fetched and done over such a long period of time that it feels surreal to actually be in that process.
"After 11 years, I stand here. I said what I said back then but now I understand the weight of those expectations."
