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Key Points

Sachin Tendulkar just revealed the brilliant tactical thinking behind promoting MS Dhoni in that epic 2011 World Cup final. He wanted a left-right batting combination to disrupt Sri Lanka's off-spinners Muralitharan and Randiv. Plus, Dhoni had valuable experience facing Murali in the nets during their CSK days together. This masterstroke decision ultimately helped India lift the World Cup after 28 long years.

Key Points: Sachin Tendulkar Reveals Dhoni Promotion Idea for 2011 World Cup Final

  • Left-right combination strategy against Muralitharan and Randiv
  • Dhoni's IPL net experience facing Murali proved crucial
  • India chasing 275 when Dhoni promoted at 114/3
  • Dhoni's unbeaten 91 guided India to six-wicket victory
2 min read

There were two reasons...: Sachin reveals idea behind promoting Dhoni up the order during WC 2011 final

Sachin Tendulkar explains why he suggested promoting MS Dhoni in the 2011 World Cup final - reveals two key tactical reasons behind the game-changing decision.

"The left-right batting combination would have upset the two off-spinners, also Muralitharan had played for CSK and MS had played him for 3 seasons in the nets - Sachin Tendulkar"

New Delhi, August 25

Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar revealed the reason why he gave the idea of promoting MS Dhoni up the order during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, during which the Indian skipper played a knock for the ages to bring back the 50-Over World Cup back home after 28 years.

Sachin shared this insight during an 'Ask Me Anything' (AMA) session on Reddit.

During the chase of 275 at Wankhede Stadium, India was 114/3 after Virat Kohli's dismissal for 35 when Dhoni came in at number five, ahead of in-form Yuvraj Singh. Dhoni formed a 109-run partnership with Gambhir and remained unbeaten on 91 off 79 balls, including eight fours and two sixes, guiding India to a six-wicket victory.

During the session, Sachin revealed that having a left-right hand combination would have upset the two key off-spinners, Muttiah Muralitharan and Suraj Randiv. He also pointed out Dhoni's experience of having faced Murali in the nets as both of them played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2008-10.

"There were 2 reasons (behind his idea to promote Dhoni up the order). The left-right batting combination would have upset the two off-spinners, also Muralitharan had played for CSK (from 2008-2010) and MS had played him for 3 seasons in the nets," said Sachin during his AMA.

Sachin's tactical brilliance and years of experience paid off handsomely as India lifted the World Cup after 28 years, and the superstar batter, playing his final 50-over World Cup, lived his dream of lifting the gold in his sixth attempt, ending as India's top-scorer with 482 runs in nine matches at an average of 53.55, with two centuries and two fifties. He was the second-highest run-getter overall.

- ANI

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Priya S
Still gives me goosebumps remembering that night! Dhoni's six to finish it was iconic 🏆 That partnership with Gambhir was everything!
A
Aman W
IPL experience coming in clutch! Who knew CSK net sessions would help win us a World Cup final? 😄
S
Sarah B
Interesting tactical insight. Though I wonder if Yuvraj might have felt disappointed being pushed down after his incredible tournament performance?
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Vikram M
That's why Sachin is God of Cricket! Not just batting, his understanding of the game was phenomenal. 2011 final will forever be etched in our hearts ❤️
K
Kavya N
Perfect example of how team strategy trumps individual egos. Everyone played their part perfectly that day. What a team! What a victory! 🇮🇳

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