Dhoni, Gambhir, and a billion dreams: Reliving India’s 2011 World Cup final

On Saturday, April 2, 2011, against the backdrop of an emotionally charged Wankhede Stadium, India won the coveted World Cup after 28 years, registering a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.

The M. S. Dhoni-led side scripted a new chapter in its cricketing history as Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s dream of winning a World Cup finally came true. Chasing a stiff 275, Gautam Gambhir made a match-winning 97, while Dhoni played a captain’s knock with an unbeaten 91 to send a billion people into a frenzy.

Dhoni lofting Nuwan Kulasekara over long-on remains a sight to behold. However, there were several twists and turns before celebrations continued into the early hours of Sunday.

A look at how the final unfolded.

Confusion at the toss

There was confusion at the toss as Kumar Sangakkara’s call went unheard amid a boisterous Wankhede crowd. In the second instance, Sangakkara called correctly and opted to bat first.

Zaheer starts with a bang

Having been at the receiving end in the 2003 World Cup final, Zaheer Khan produced an inspiring spell, bowling three consecutive maidens before accounting for the prized scalp of Upul Tharanga.

Dilshan’s moment

Sangakkara then joined Tillakaratne Dilshan, and the duo began rebuilding, with S. Sreesanth releasing pressure through erratic bowling. Soon, Dilshan brought up his 500th run in the tournament as Sri Lanka got going.

Harbhajan strikes

Bowling under pressure, Harbhajan Singh broke the stand, removing the well-set Dilshan as Sri Lanka lost a wicket at a crucial juncture.

Jayawardene classic

Mahela Jayawardene rose to the occasion with a classy century but ended up on the losing side. His dominance and composure allowed Sri Lanka to surge ahead and challenge the Indian attack. Jayawardene oozed class with exquisite strokes on either side of the wicket. If the drives were sumptuous, a cheeky paddle sweep reflected his intent. Sri Lanka needed one of its premier batters to anchor the innings, and the former skipper delivered on the big stage.

Yuvraj strikes

The introduction of Yuvraj Singh brought India relief as the left-arm spinner dismissed the Sri Lankan skipper, breaking the 62-run stand. However, Thilan Samaraweera and Jayawardene stitched together a 57-run partnership. Just when things were looking promising for Sri Lanka, Yuvraj struck again, removing Samaraweera.

The late blitz

If India thought it had contained Sri Lanka, Nuwan Kulasekara and Thisara Perera counter-attacked, taking on even the otherwise economical Zaheer. Jayawardene punched the air in delight upon reaching his century as Sri Lanka added 63 runs in the batting Powerplay to post 274 for 6.

The chase

In a World Cup final, chasing carries its own pressure. India stumbled early, sending shivers through both the dressing room and the stands. Lasith Malinga stunned Wankhede, dismissing Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar in quick succession. Sri Lanka had the perfect start as Tendulkar walked back dejected.

Kohli comes to the fore

It was a test for a young Virat Kohli. Batting alongside Gambhir, he rose to the occasion. The left-right combination worked well as the pair put together a crucial partnership. However, an athletic Dilshan produced a brilliant return catch to end Kohli’s stay.

Enter Dhoni

An in-form Yuvraj Singh was held back as the skipper walked in at No. 5. Joining a well-set Gambhir, Dhoni looked determined. Struggling for runs leading into the final, he delivered when it mattered most. With his trademark calmness, Dhoni forged a 109-run partnership with Gambhir as Sri Lanka watched the Cup slip away.

Gambhir misses ton

Gambhir looked set for a magnificent hundred, but a lapse in concentration saw him bowled by Perera for a superb 97 off 122 deliveries. Despite missing out on a century, he had done his job.

The final script

With 48 required off as many deliveries, Yuvraj joined Dhoni, and the duo, taking minimal risks, edged India closer to victory. A six over point from Dhoni, along with a couple of boundaries, eased the pressure. With 16 needed off 18, Dhoni struck Malinga for consecutive boundaries, raising hopes of a famous finish.

And finally, a billion dreams were realised when Dhoni dispatched Kulasekara for a six on the second ball of the 49th over, the white ball soaring into the crowd. Teammates rushed onto the field, sprinting towards Dhoni in celebration of a magnificent innings on a historic night. Tendulkar’s dream had come true and, as Virat Kohli said, “Tendulkar has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years; it was time we carried him. Chak De India!”

Published on Apr 02, 2026