Its been a decade since former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni dispatched Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Kulasekara over long on to cap a historic moment in Indian cricket and win the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. A billion dreams were realised with that one swing of the willow as India long thirsted for the trophy, since last winning it in 1983.

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And perhaps none more so than batting legend Sachin Tendulkar. It was the Master Blaster’s sixth World Cup, and at the age of 37, the last. Sachin lit up the tournament when India came close to winning it in 2003, when they ended up on the wrong side of a 125-run thrashing against Australia in the final.  

And India put up a strong showing throughout the tournament, losing just one match, against South Africa.  

After winning a blockbuster semi-final against Pakistan, India were once again on the cusp of ending their 28-year World Cup drought, setting up the final showdown against co-hosts Sri Lanka at Sachin’s homeground. 

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After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the Lankans were rattled early with Zaheer Khan removing opener Upal Tharanga. But Mahela Jawawardne’s classy 104-run knock, aided by handy contributions from Kumar Sangakkara, Kulasekara and others, guided Sri Lanka to a handy, 274-run total. 

There was no swansong for either Indian openers, as Lasith Malinga struck early to dismiss both Virender Sehwag and Tendulkar, leaving India reeling at 31 for the loss of two. 

Gautam Gambhir then played a crucial innings, holding his nerve to steady innings with two important partnerships, first a 77-run stand with fellow Delhi batsman Virat Kohli before adding 109 runs on the board with skipper Dhoni to put India in control.  

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An erratic shot selection saw Gambhir miss out on a well-deserved century, but the damage was done and Dhoni comfortably saw out the remainder of the chase with player of the tournament Yuvraj Singh. 

As the iconic Ravi Shastri commentary goes, “Dhoni! Finishes off in style, a magnificent strike into the crowd. India win the world cup after 28 years.”