When MS Dhoni Led India To 2011 World Cup Triumph With An Iconic Knock

MS Dhoni led IND to WC glory in 2011 [X.com]MS Dhoni led IND to WC glory in 2011 [X.com]

April 2nd of 2011 was one of the most iconic days in India's cricketing history as MS Dhoni-led Indian cricket team won the ODI World Cup after a wait of 28 years, with the captain finishing off in style with a maximum.

The 2011 ODI World Cup, co-hosted by India, was a dream year for Indian cricket. The team, led by Dhoni, outclassed every formidable opposition that came their way to march towards the finals against Sri Lanka held in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. 

With Sachin Tendulkar announcing his World Cup retirement, the team was driven to produce a fitting farewell to the absolute legend. 

The Wankhede stadium was packed with the home crowd on the eve of the final. Despite losing Virendra Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar early in the 275-run chase, Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli stitched an anchoring partnership. 

But after Kohli fell victim to Dilshan, captain MS Dhoni promoted himself up the order over an in-form Yuvraj Singh to finish things his way. Dhoni and Gambhir added 100 runs to India's tally before the latter was bowled by Thisara Perera on 97. 

Regardless, with the game under control, Dhoni punched Nuwan Kulasekara for a maximum over long-on ropes.

MS Dhoni sealed India's triumph with that iconic shot, delivering the final blow to Sri Lanka's hopes and etching his name into cricketing folklore.

The Indian team broke down in tears while celebrating the triumph, and players lifted the God Of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, on their shoulders during the victory lap. 

For fans, it was a moment of unbridled joy and pride, marking the culmination of a journey that spanned nearly three decades and reaffirming India's status as a cricketing powerhouse on the world stage.