Ravindra Jadeja Recalls Moments From 2011 World Cup Final, Says "MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir Turned The Match Around"

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja recalled moments from the 2011 World Cup final. He revealed that he had a practice session with his IPL team but that was canceled as India were playing the final.

The 2011 World Cup memories are still fresh in the minds of almost every Indian. India lifted the trophy at home soil and after a gap of 28 years. Ravindra Jadeja was still in the early steps of his career and wasn’t a regular in the Indian side but he didn’t miss even the single ball of the final between India and Sri Lanka.

Ravindra Jadeja revealed that he along with his teammates was nervous after India lost early wickets. However, that disarray turned into jubilation as Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni stitched a partnership to put India in the winning position.

Ravindra Jadeja also admitted that with the ICC World Cup 2023 slated to take place in India, there will be a lot of expectations from the fans as everyone would want them to win. Speaking to Star Sports, he said:

“We had a practice session for IPL but it was cancelled as India were playing the World Cup final. All the teammates were sitting in the same room to watch the final. We were all slightly nervous after India lost some early wickets. But MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir turned the match around for us.

“I still remember everything from that night. It was a very special moment for Indian cricket. There are a lot of expectations from the fans to win the World Cup, especially if it is happening in India.”

We will be better placed than our opponents – Ravindra Jadeja on the ICC World Cup 2023

Talking about the ICC World Cup 2023, Ravindra Jadeja said that playing in India will be a big advantage for them as they will be better placed than others. He admitted that it’ll be challenging as well but they are ready to take it. He added:

“The World Cup takes place every four years, and this one is more special as it’s being played in India. As players, we know the conditions in India. It’s surely a big advantage for us. Winning the 2023 World Cup will bring back the memories of the 2011 World Cup for the fans.

“As we are familiar with the conditions at each venue, we will be better placed than our opponents and can read the game much quicker than them. The energy and enthusiasm of millions of Indian fans will be with us as they want us to lift the World Cup. Yes, it will be very exciting, but it won’t be easy. It will be quite a challenge, and as a cricketer, I like to face challenges.”

Ravindra Jadeja has been India’s MVP for the last few years. He’s expected to play a huge role with bat and ball in the tournament. India will open their campaign against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8.