Sachin Tendulkar paid tribute to India’s ODI World Cup win in 2011. On April 2, the Master Blaster took to social media and recreated his cricket stance from the final.
“The first ball always makes your heart flutter… and that night never stopped. 15 years later it still stays with us. We all grew up as a bunch of young cricketers united by one dream. To win the World Cup for India,” Tendulkar wrote.
“To everyone who was a part of the journey and to all the fans… thank you for sharing it with us and making it so special. Jai Hind!” he added.
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Social media was flooded with emotions as users reminisced about a special night for Indian cricket. Led by MS Dhoni, the Men in Blue won the World Cup 28 years after their first victory in 1983.
“15 years later, the goosebumps are still the same…because some nights are not remembered, they are felt forever. We didn’t just watch the World Cup win…we lived every second together as a nation. From the streets to the stadiums, from the homes to the hearts…That victory belonged to us all,” wrote one.
“You have carried the dreams of a billion people for 24 years. God of cricket. Forever,” wrote another.
“Never seen a nation so united in the streets… best day ever,” another user wrote.
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Another user wrote: “15 years later the memories of the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup still give me goosebumps. A dream that united a nation and inspired a generation. Forever proud.”
One of the unique reactions came from across the border. A cricket fan from Pakistan wrote: “Sachin paaji what a magical night in 2011! Even abroad this final gave us all goosebumps. A true legend of the game.”
A Pakistani cricket fan reacts as Sachin Tendulkar pays tribute after winning the 2011 World Cup
On this day: 2011 World Cup final
The 2011 World Cup final was played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Sri Lanka, who won the toss and batted first, posted 274/6 in 50 overs. Mahela Jayawardene anchored her innings with an unbeaten 103 off 88 balls.
India’s chase faltered early with the dismissal of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar. Gautam Gambhir steadied the ship with a decisive 97. After that, MS Dhoni took command, promoted to a higher position.
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Dhoni finished with an unbeaten 91 off 79 balls and sealed the victory with an iconic six. India reached 277/4 in 48.2 overs, winning by 6 wickets.
Dhoni won the Player of the Match award. Yuvraj Singh, who scored 362 runs and took 15 wickets in the entire tournament, was named the player of the tournament.
India became the first host nation to win the World Cup on home soil. It was also the first World Cup final between two Asian sides.
For Sachin Tendulkar, playing in his sixth and final World Cup, it was the one title that always eluded him. Then that night in Mumbai, he grabbed the trophy.
