“Complete Your Century, I’ll Take Risks” – Gautam Gambhir Reveals MS Dhoni’s Advice To Him During 2011 World Cup Final

Gautam Gambhir, who played a key role in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph, revealed how then Team India skipper MS Dhoni had encouraged him to score a century in the final encounter against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

India was reeling at 31 for 2 after losing the crucial wickets of their veteran batters Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar when Gambhir arrived at the crease. The Delhi batter forged a 109-run partnership with Dhoni before being perished in the 42nd over of the match for 97 runs.

In an interaction with Star Sports during the 1st ODI match between India and Sri Lanka in Guwahati, Gambhir recalled Dhoni’s support from the other end during the 2011 World Cup title clash and how the former Indian captain motivated him to complete his century.

Here’s what Gautam Gambhir said:

“MS Dhoni was very supportive because he wanted me to get a 100. He always wanted me to get a hundred. He told me between overs as well that ‘get your hundred, take your time and don’t rush into it. I can accelerate if there is any need to.”

The Men in Blue needed only 52 runs to win off 52 balls after Gambhir’s exit. MS Dhoni remained unbeaten on 91 while Yuvraj Singh made a crucial contribution of 21 runs as India swatted aside Sri Lanka to lift the coveted trophy after a gap of 28 years.