“Dhoni finishes off in style! A magnificent strike into the crowd! India lift the World Cup after 28 years… the party starts in the dressing room, and it’s an Indian Captain… who has been absolutely magnificent in the night of the final.”
Indeed, reading that takes you back to April 2, 2011. A legendary commentator captured the essence of every Indian’s feelings as MS Dhoni struck the winning six against Sri Lanka, leading the Men in Blue to victory at the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup.
The players and staff of the Indian cricket team, along with the spectators at the Wankhede Stadium and viewers worldwide, were moved to tears as they watched a dream come true before their eyes.
Many were transported back to June 25, 1983, when India clinched their inaugural World Cup victory. From listening to radio commentary due to limited access to watching the game in all its glory, fans of Kapil Dev and his team celebrated the end of a 28-year-long wait.
At that moment, the entire nation united as one. The Indian dressing room erupted in jubilation as each member shed tears of joy and embraced warmly. Similar scenes unfolded in households across India because, after all, India had won the World Cup!
The match holds a special place in the hearts of every Indian cricket enthusiast, but its significance is incomparable to what it signifies for those who dedicated themselves to winning it for their nation. The country takes immense pride in every member of the World Cup-winning team, and the players themselves share that pride.
Today marks the 13th anniversary of that legendary match between India and Sri Lanka. It’s been 13 years since India’s second World Cup triumph, and also 13 years of anticipation for the next one. While many players from the 2011 winning team are no longer active on the field, they remain active on social media.
Social media serves as a platform for fans to stay connected with their cricketing idols and reminisce when players share special memories from the matches.
On this occasion, several World Cup-winning players and members of the cricket community took to their respective social media accounts to reminisce about April 2, 2011.
Here are some:
The dream of over a billion people. A day which will stay with me till my last breath.
13 years to a day of a lifetime. pic.twitter.com/SMZUKB9HK3— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 2, 2024
#OnThisDay in 2011, our Men in Blue made history by clinching the ICC Cricket World Cup for the 2nd time! 🏆 Led by the legendary @msdhoni, with gritty innings from @GautamGambhir, quality batting by @sachin_rt, heroic all-round displays by @YUVSTRONG12 and the entire squad… pic.twitter.com/EDPFLrXhQc
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) April 2, 2024
Throwback to a very special day! 🏆
🗓️ #OnThisDay in 2011, #TeamIndia won the ODI World Cup for the second time 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/inyLTWKcrY
— BCCI (@BCCI) April 2, 2024
This day 2nd April never get old, every year this day refresh our memories. Proud to be a part of such big moment. Missing you all my teammates.#worldcup2011 @BCCI pic.twitter.com/qawgYteMnn
— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) April 2, 2024
Still get goosebumps thinking about that historic moment in 2011 when we lifted the World Cup 🏆 Incredible memories with an amazing team! #2011WorldCup #TeamIndia 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/af3l6llJ1Z
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) April 2, 2024
Reliving this feeling ❤️🇮🇳🏆#CWC2011 pic.twitter.com/zT9C0FSusg
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 2, 2024
Thirteen years ago, my childhood dream turned into reality. Forever grateful for the memories, the team, and the incredible support of over a billion people. pic.twitter.com/RvUuzuGqhQ
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 2, 2024
Here's wishing the World Champs of 2011 a happy 13th anniversary.
Memories never fade. God bless you all. 🇮🇳 https://t.co/o49MBRb6a6
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 2, 2024
2-4-2011 Day to remember .. 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 Worldcup winners #Grateful pic.twitter.com/aocMNyzSWC
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 2, 2024
India’s team aims to overcome the streak at the T20 World Cup 2024
Young fans, who were too inexperienced to comprehend the events of that night in 2011, now aspire to witness their favourite cricketers from the current Indian squad hoist the World Cup trophy.
India showcased dominance in the recent ODI World Cup in 2023. With a streak of 10 consecutive victories, Rohit Sharma and his team secured their spot in the final without a single loss.
Despite coming agonizingly close to making history, the Men in Blue suffered a disappointing defeat against Australia in the title match, marking their sole loss throughout the tournament.
As they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2024, the Indian team approaches the challenge with confidence and determination, with their sights firmly set on claiming the ultimate prize.
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