Tendulkar Reflects on 2011 World Cup Triumph 15 Years Later
NEW DELHI — Fifteen years after India’s historic 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup victory, Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday shared an emotional tribute recalling one of the most iconic moments in the nation’s sporting history.
Tendulkar, who played a pivotal role in the tournament, reflected on the significance of the triumph in a message posted on social media, marking the anniversary of India’s win on April 2, 2011.
“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!” Tendulkar wrote.
The 2011 victory remains one of India’s most celebrated sporting achievements, ending a 28-year wait for a World Cup title since 1983. For Tendulkar, it was also a deeply personal milestone, as he lifted the trophy in his final World Cup appearance after carrying the expectations of millions throughout his career.
The final, played at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, featured a high-stakes clash between India and Sri Lanka. Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 274 for 6, anchored by Mahela Jayawardene’s unbeaten 103.
India’s chase began under pressure, with Virender Sehwag dismissed for a duck. Gautam Gambhir then steadied the innings with a composed 97, setting the platform for the team’s recovery.
Captain MS Dhoni delivered the defining performance of the night, scoring an unbeaten 91 off 79 balls and guiding India toward victory alongside Yuvraj Singh, who contributed 21 runs in a key partnership.
Dhoni sealed the win in dramatic fashion, hitting a six to finish the match and secure a six-wicket victory with 10 balls to spare, sparking celebrations across the country.
Beyond the result, the triumph carried lasting emotional weight, symbolizing the fulfillment of a long-held national dream and cementing its place as a defining moment in Indian cricket history. (Source: IANS)
