Sachin Tendulkar Discloses the Real Reason Behind Promoting MS Dhoni over Yuvraj Singh in 2011 World Cup Final

The 2011 World Cup victory fulfilled Sachin Tendulkar's long-held dream of winning the trophy, having failed to do so in his five previous attempts.

Sachin Tendulkar Discloses the Real Reason Behind Promoting MS Dhoni over Yuvraj Singh in 2011 World Cup Final

Sachin Tendulkar revealed the reason behind why he advised MS Dhoni to bat ahead of Yuvraj Singh, in 2011 World Cup final. (via News 18)

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Indian cricketing great Sachin Tendulkar most recently disclosed the reason behind MS Dhoni‘s decision to bat higher up the order than Yuvraj Singh in the 2011 World Cup final. The 52-year-old was the one who suggested to then-head coach Gary Kirsten that this tactical change be made.

The 2011 ICC ODI World Cup final, at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium between hosts India and Sri Lanka, is a memorable event not only for India’s historic win but also because it was Sachin Tendulkar‘s last appearance in the tournament. Tendulkar had a remarkable performance in the 2011 edition, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer with 482 runs in nine innings at an average of 53.56. 

Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a challenging total of 274 runs in 50 overs, anchored by a superb 103-run innings from Mahela Jayawardene. India got off to a difficult start, with Lasith Malinga dismissing openers Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag early on. However, Gautam Gambhir and captain MS Dhoni mounted a remarkable fightback, leading the Men in Blue to victory and securing India’s second-ever World Cup trophy after a 28-year wait.

Gautam Gambhir scored a crucial 97 runs off 122 balls, while MS Dhoni added an unbeaten 91 runs from 79 balls. Virat Kohli contributed 35 runs off 49 balls, and Yuvraj Singh remained not out with 21. Dhoni and Gambhir’s vital 109-run partnership for the fourth wicket. It was however, an unusual move for the Indian captain to bat at number five against Sri Lanka, as he had consistently batted at number six, below the all-rounder Yuvraj, throughout the tournament.

Virender Sehwag had previously disclosed that it was Sachin Tendulkar who had advised then India head coach Gary Kirsten and MS Dhoni to alter the lineup, which led to the Indian captain batting ahead of the in-form Yuvraj Singh, who had just rescued the team with a match-winning display against Australia in the quarter-final. Tendulkar recently revealed the motive during a Reddit ‘Ask Me Anything’ session.

The 52-year-old gave two main reasons for his decision. First, Tendulkar explained that he wanted to maintain a left-right batting combination against Sri Lankan off-spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Suraj Randiv after Kohli’s wicket, which is why Dhoni was sent in ahead of Yuvraj.

Secondly, he noted that Dhoni had faced Muralitharan in the nets while playing together for the CSK in the IPL, which Tendulkar stated gave Dhoni the knowledge needed to effectively counter the ace Sri Lankan spinner.

There were 2 reasons. The left-right batting combination would have upset the two off-spinners; also, [Muttiah] Muralitharan had played for CSK and MS [Dhoni] had played with him for 3 seasons in the nets.

Sachin Tendulkar’s advice proved successful as MS Dhoni clinched the victory for India, with a six in the second ball of the 49th over. This iconic moment forever changed the course of Indian cricket, and the famous World Cup win continues to be celebrated by fans.

Arjun Tendulkar’s Engagement: Father Sachin Tendulkar Makes Official Announcement

‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar earlier today, officially announced that his son Arjun got engaged to Saaniya Chandhok, putting an end to more than a month of speculation. Tendulkar confirmed the news while answering questions during a Reddit ‘Ask Me Anything’ (AMA) session.

Sachin Tendulkar son Arjun engagement
Sachin Tendulkar officially revealed that his son Arjun got engaged, in a private ceremony. (via NDTV Sports)

Sachin Tendulkar shared about his family’s excitement for his son Arjun’s new chapter. Reports had previously speculated that Arjun was engaged to Saaniya Chandhok, granddaughter of Mumbai-based businessman Ravi Ghai, chairman of the Graviss Group.

The private engagement ceremony was held in the city and attended only by close friends and family, with no public announcement at the time.

Though Arjun Tendulkar has always been in his father’s shadow, he is determined to perform at his best and meet expectations as a cricketer. His fiancee, Saaniya Chandhok, is a businesswoman who works with the Mumbai-based company Mr. Paws Pet Spa and Store LLP.

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