India celebrated the 9th anniversary of its world cup victory on April 2nd. India’s 2011 world cup victory can be hailed as its most complete performance. India’s 1983 world cup win in England is also very special as it was won on foreign soil beating the mighty West Indies in the final against all odds.
India was In Strong Position To Win The World Cup In 2011
India in 1983 was considered an underdog going into the tournament as many expected the West Indies to grab the trophy as it was a two-time defending champion then.
But in 2011 India was deemed as a strong contender for the trophy with a huge advantage of the support of the home crowd.
The host country showed an almost impeccable performance throughout the tournament losing only to South Africa in a close contest during the group stages.
In the knockout stage, they were on the top of the game beating the defending champions Australia in the Quarter-finals sent Pakistan packing in the semis and subduing Sri Lanka in the finals.
The Three Heroes Of World Cup
Yuvraj Singh, Sachin Tendulkar, and Zaheer Khan are the heroes who powered India to its second world cup glory.
Not winning world cup was perhaps the biggest negative remark on Tendulkar’s otherwise great career till that time.
But the master-blaster was unstoppable in the series as he garnered 481 runs in 9 innings becoming India’s highest run-scorer in the tournament.
Yuvraj Singh was adjudged the Man of the series for his performance both with the ball and bat. He made 362 runs and claimed 15 wickets.
Fast bowler Zaheer Khan emerged as the joint highest wicket-taker of the tournament along with Shahid Afridi with 21 scalps.
Besides the above three, other players who had a significant contribution in India’s triumph are
1. Gautam Gambhir
Gambhir for his brilliant knock of 97 in the finals and crucial half-century against Aussies in the quarters.
2. Virendra Sehwag
Sehwag’s attacking innings as an opener was the main reason for India’s huge totals while batting first. He made 380 runs in the series more importantly at a strike rate of 122.58.
3. Munaf Patel
Patel who does not get enough recognition for his role was key because he provided a great balance to the side with his medium-pace and was consistent throughout the tournament. He picked 11 wickets in 8 matches.
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