Sachin Tendulkar’s coveted career saw him winning the World Cup at the twilight of his journey. The Indian legend was part of 6 World Cups, but could only get his hands on the trophy in his final attempt.
And in the 2011 ODI World Cup, India were up against Sri Lanka in the finals at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Sri Lanka posted 274 runs courtesy of a brilliant hundred by Mahela Jayawardene.
In reply, India’s hopes were shattered early as Virender Sehwag was dismissed in the first over. Sachin Tendulkar made a bright start at his home ground, but was sent back to the dressing room in the 7th over of the match.
The iconic player managed an edge in Lasith Malinga’s bowling and Kumar Sangakkara grabbed it to dismiss him, silencing the full house at Wankhede. A young Virat Kohli replaced him and the pair had a word at the edge of the boundary when Kohli was entering the crease.
What did Sachin say to Kohli in that particular moment? A fan asked the question to Sachin in the #AskSachin session on Twitter and the Indian legend replied.
“Ab bhi ball thoda swing ho raha hai!” (The ball is still swinging a bit), Sachin replied to the fan and revealed his words with Kohli.
“Ab bhi ball thoda swing ho raha hai!” https://t.co/7V5WFbkmQx
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 21, 2023
Kohli, then just 22, went on and played a crucial knock of 35 runs. He and Gautam Gambhir built a decent partnership of 83 runs, which took India out of the mud. MS Dhoni came next and stitched the telling 109-run partnership with Gautam Gambhir for the 4th wicket.
India went on to lift the World Cup after 28 years as Gautam Gambhir scored 97 runs and then captain MS Dhoni played a fantastic knock of unbeaten 91 runs.
