Gautam Gambhir played an instrumental role in India’s historic title triumph in the 2011 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. India defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets in the final to clinch its second World Cup trophy at the jam-packed Wankhede Stadium in 2011.
Chasing a 275-run target, the hosts were in big trouble after Virender Sehwag (0) and Sachin Tendulkar (18) were dismissed cheaply, and then Gambhir took charge of the side. He was first involved in an 83-run stand for the third wicket with the young Virat Kohli (35).
Gambhir (97) then stitched a game-changing partnership of 109 runs with the skipper MS Dhoni (91*) before being clean bowled by the Sri Lanka pacer Thisara Perera. Unfortunately, he couldn’t finish off the game and missed a well-deserved century by just three runs.
Gambhir recalled how Dhoni supported him throughout their partnership in the final and encouraged him to notch up the century. Had Gambhir managed to score a century in the final, he would have become the first Indian to do so in World Cup history.
Gautam Gambhir recalled on Star Sports: “MS Dhoni was very supportive because he wanted me to get a 100. He always wanted me to get a hundred. He told me between overs as well that 'get your hundred, take your time, and don't rush into it. I can accelerate if there is any need to.”
However, Dhoni later finished off the game with an iconic six to win the 2011 World Cup title at home.
