15 years later, it still stays with us: Sachin relives India’s 2011 ODI WC triumph

On the 15th anniversary of India’s historic 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup victory, batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar looked back on a night that continues to hold a special place in the hearts of millions.

Tendulkar, who was part of India’s triumphant campaign, revisited the emotions of that iconic evening by sharing a video on social media, reflecting on the intensity and significance of the occasion.

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“The first ball always makes your heart race… and that night, it never stopped. 15 years later, it still stays with us. We all grew up as a bunch of young cricketers, united by one dream. To win the World Cup for India. To everyone who was a part of the journey, and to all the fans…thank you for sharing it with us and making it so special. Jai Hind!”

The victory on April 2, 2011, remains one of Indian cricket’s defining moments. Playing on home soil, the team ended a 28-year wait for the World Cup, with Tendulkar finally achieving the dream he had pursued throughout his illustrious career. He also emerged as India’s leading run-scorer in the tournament, playing a crucial role in the title-winning campaign.

The final, held at the Wankhede Stadium, featured a high-pressure clash between India and Sri Lanka. After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat and posted a competitive 274 for 6 in their 50 overs. A key contribution came from Mahela Jayawardene, who crafted an elegant unbeaten 103 to anchor the innings and guide Sri Lanka to a strong total.

India’s chase began on a difficult note with Virender Sehwag dismissed for a duck. However, Gautam Gambhir produced a composed 97 to stabilise the innings and keep India in the hunt.

The decisive moment came through then captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who delivered a match-winning performance under pressure. His unbeaten 91 off 79 balls, along with a steady partnership with Yuvraj Singh, brought India within touching distance of victory.

Fittingly, Dhoni sealed the win in style, launching a six that ensured a six-wicket triumph with 10 balls to spare, a shot that has since become one of the most iconic moments in cricket history.

Since 2011, India have once come agonisingly close to lifting the 50-over title in 2023 when Rohit Sharma’s men stormed into the final with a blemish-free run through the tournament, only to be halted by Pat Cummins’ Australian side at the mighty Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19, 2023.