Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh opened up about MS Dhoni’s move to bat up the order in the final of the 2011 World Cup against Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
None of the Indian cricket fans could ever forget Dhoni hitting a massive six off Sri Lanka pacer Nuwan Kulasekara in the title clash to finish off the game in style, as the Wankhede crowd went jubilant after India's becoming world champions after almost three decades.
Chasing 275 for the win, India lost Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar early, as India’s scorecard read 31/2 in the sixth over. Later, Gautam Gambhir’s (97) brave innings brought Team India back into the game, but with Virat Kohli’s (45) wicket, everyone expected the in-form Yuvraj Singh to walk out.
However, former Indian captain Dhoni (91*) made a stunning move and promoted himself before his deputy, Yuvraj Singh, and eventually went on to win the match for India by 6 wickets.
Rewinding to the epic chase at the Wankhede Stadium, Yuvraj Singh, who was named the Player of the Tournament, explained why Dhoni promoted himself up the batting order against Sri Lanka.
Yuvraj Singh said on Sports18’s Home of Heroes: “Mahi going to bat ahead of me in the 2011 World Cup final was more of a team decision, I think. When Virat and Gautam were in the middle of a decent partnership, a conversation had happened in the dressing room.”
He added, “Viru, Sachin, Gary, and Mahi may have had a discussion and planned that a left-right combination is needed in the middle because two off-spinners were bowling at that time. It was decided that if Virat gets out Mahi will go in the middle and if Gautam gets out, I will bat next.”
