Gautam Gambhir reflects on 2011 World Cup final: Regret over missed opportunity with MS Dhoni
Winning a single World Cup title is enough to elevate a player’s status in the cricket fraternity. Gautam Gambhir, one of India’s finest openers across formats, accomplished this feat twice in his illustrious career. After being part of the T20 World Cup 2007-winning team, Gambhir played a pivotal role in India’s ODI World Cup 2011 triumph. Gambhir has revealed his one regret – a moment involving MS Dhoni during the final of the 2011 World Cup.
In the final against Sri Lanka, the visiting side was limited to 274/6. Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj took two wickets each, while Mahela Jayawardene notched up a century. India’s response faltered early, slipping to 31/2 in the first six overs as Lasith Malinga dismissed Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar.
Gambhir found vital support from a young Virat Kohli, before captain Dhoni joined him. The pair put on a 109-run partnership, with Gambhir on the cusp of a magnificent century. However, the southpaw’s innings was cut short when he was dismissed by Thisara Perera in the 42nd over, leaving India still needing 51 runs to win.
Gambhir said that his biggest regret is not finishing that final for India, even though Dhoni easily completed the chase with 10 balls left.
“I regret of not finishing that game,” remarked Gambhir.
“If I could go back in time, I would score the last run there, regardless of how many runs I scored,” he continued.
Dhoni was named the Player of the Match, ending India’s 28-year World Cup trophy drought.
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