Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh died at the age of 92 due to health-related issues on Thursday, December 26. As we mourn his death, it's worth remembering his message for the national cricket team, led by MS Dhoni, after their 50-over World Cup victory in 2011 at home.
Under the 42-year-old's leadership, the Men in Blue won their second 50-over World Cup crown, putting an end to the 28-year wait. It came after India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
After India won the World Cup, here's what Manmohan Singh said as it has been doing rounds following the veteran politician's death.
"The hard work and the effort of MS Dhoni and his men have been rewarded. I join the nation in congratulating the Indian cricket team on their victory. The hard work and the effort of MS Dhoni and his men have been rewarded. They have shown the world that India is at the top of the game of cricket," Singh said via India Today.
India's 50-over World Cup came four years after the sub-continent nation lifted the inaugural T20 World Cup by beating Pakistan in the final under the Ranchi-born cricketer.
MS Dhoni led from the front to power Team India to a six-wicket against Sri Lanka in Mumbai
With a stiff target of 275 for the home side to chase down, they lost Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag early in the innings. Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli combined to stabilize the innings until the latter's departue.
After Kohli's departure, Dhoni stunningly promoted himself up the order despite in-form Yuvraj Singh being in the squad. The keeper-batter looked at ease against the likes of Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Thisara Perera, and Muttiah Muralitharan. The Indian captain finished unbeaten on 91, while Gambhir was unfortunte not to score a well-deserved ton and had to walk back for 97.
The iconic winning six over long-on also came from the captain's bat off the bowling of Kulasekara.
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