‘If I got 97, I was supposed to get those runs, I didn't do anyone any favours’ – Gautam Gambhir on India’s 2011 World Cup triumph

Back on April 2, 2011, India won the 50-overs World Cup for the second time after Kapil Dev’s men lifted the cup back in 1983. It was a hard-fought final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai as both India and Sri Lanka had their moments to take the ascendancy. But in the end, it was MS Dhoni and Co, who came out trumps, chasing 275 with eight balls to spare.

Recalling the moments, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir reckoned that he and the national team didn’t do any favours by winning the World Cup. In the final, it was Gambhir’s 97 that set the platform for the run-chase after veteran speedster Lasith Malinga picked up the early wickets of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.

We were supposed to do our jobs: Gautam Gambhir

“In 2011, we didn’t do anything that we weren’t meant to do. When we were picked to play the World Cup, we were supposed to win the World Cup. When we were selected, we didn’t just go out there to compete, we went out there to win,” Gambhir was quoted as saying in Hindustan Times.

“If I got 97, I was supposed to get those runs. Zaheer Khan’s job was to pick wickets. We were supposed to do our jobs. What we did on April 2, we didn’t do anyone any favours,” he stated. Zaheer got the crucial wickets of Upul Tharanga and Chamara Kapugedera.

Following the triumph in 2011, India bowed out of the 2015 and 2019 World Cups after losses at the hands of Australia and New Zealand respectively in the semi-finals. The Delhi-born Gambhir reckons that India should aim for their next World Cup glory.

“It doesn’t feel like yesterday. Not for me at least. It’s been what, 10 years now? I am not a person who looks back too much. Obviously, it’s a proud moment but you know what, it’s time for Indian cricket to move forward. Probably, now it’s time that we win the next World Cup ASAP,” he added.

In the final on the historic day in Mumbai, skipper Dhoni also played a crucial role, staying unbeaten on 91. It was his six off Nuwan Kulasekara that helped India past the finishing line.