Gautam Gambhir Reveals The Dressing Room's Mood During The 2011 World Cup Final

India had their back against the wall in the final of the 2011 World Cup. Chasing a challenging 275 against a quality Sri Lankan pace attack, the Men in Blue were staring down the barrel after Lasith Malinga’s initial burst. The fast-bowler had dismissed Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar with the scoreboard reading only 31.

Another wicket would have almost derailed India’s chances. However, Gautam Gambhir brought in all his experience and played a remarkable innings to bail the Men in Blue out of trouble. The southpaw batted under crisis right from the first ball he faced and ensured India remained on track. He added 84 runs for the third wicket with Virat Kohli to steady the ship. And followed it up with a match-defining 109-run stand with skipper MS Dhoni before missing out on a well-deserved century by just three runs.

His 122-ball 97 runs knock put India on the threshold of a historic win and Dhoni played another gem of an innings, scoring 91 runs off just 79 balls to ensure Gambhir’s performance did not go in vain as India lifted the World Cup after a long wait of 28 years.

But despite India being in trouble early on, Gambhir said the dressing room was not too worried. Recalling the famous win at the Wankhede, Gambhir, during an interview with the official website of his Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Riders, said that all of his teammates were confident of winning the match.

“The first ball that Lasith Malinga bowled, I hit it for a boundary. At such times your nerves get settled as well. Whatever nerve was there, it was due to the fact that it was an international game, not because it was a World Cup final,” Gambhir said.

“It was not just about one or two individuals, but it was about everyone in the dressing room who believed that we could win the World Cup. There couldn’t have been a bigger stage set when you are chasing in the World Cup final that also at home. You never know whether you will get that opportunity ever again. You got to cherish the moment,” he added.

“We were chasing 275 and I was not even ready when Viru (Virender Sehwag) got out (leg before wicket) LBW on the second delivery. I was still padding up. Because the decision was a referral, I got the time to get ready,” recalled the 2011-World Cup hero.

India eventually chased down the big total in the 49th over when Dhoni hit his trademark shot off Nuwan Kulasekara for a massive six over long on.

Gambhir further spoke about what was going through his mind when he was batting.

“The good thing that happened was there was nothing in my mind. If I had to wait for my opportunity, then there would have been a lot of things that would have gone on in my mind since it was a World Cup final and we were chasing 275,” Gambhir said.