Achieving the highest score for India in a World Cup final is a dream for many cricketers. Gautam Gambhir, a former India opener, has not only achieved this once but twice during his illustrious career. Starting his journey in 2003, Gambhir has been a crucial player in securing numerous trophies for India. He played a pivotal role in the 2007 ICC World T20 final against Pakistan by scoring 75 runs, helping MS Dhoni’s Team India clinch the title.
Gambhir’s World Cup Glory in 2011
In 2011, Gambhir delivered another remarkable performance by scoring 97 runs against Sri Lanka. This incredible feat assisted Dhoni and the team in ending India’s long drought for a World Cup title. Gambhir’s success extended beyond international cricket; he also led the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their first two Indian Premier League (IPL) titles in 2012 and 2014. Interestingly, Gambhir had set his sights on winning the World Cup for India when he was just 11 years old.
A Childhood Dream: Inspired by a Heartbreaking Loss
In an interview with Sportskeeda, Gambhir shared an emotional story about his motivation to win the World Cup. He recalled how a match between India and Australia in the 1992 World Cup left a lasting impression on him. “After watching that match, I was determined to win the World Cup for India. The 1992 India-Australia game in Brisbane, which India lost by one run, made me cry the entire night. I had never cried like that before or after,” Gambhir revealed.
The Nail-Biting 1992 World Cup Encounter
During that memorable game, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed for 11 runs off 19 balls. Captain Mohammad Azharuddin played a crucial innings, scoring 93 runs to keep India’s hopes alive. India needed five runs off the last four balls to secure a win against Australia. Unfortunately, Venkatapathy Raju was run out in the final over of the rain-affected match, leading to a heartbreaking one-run loss for India. This defeat deeply affected many Indian fans, including a young Gambhir.
Realizing a Childhood Ambition
Gambhir reminisced, “I was only 11 years old then, and that loss made me vow to win the World Cup for India. I was able to fulfill that dream in 2011. That match, and Raju’s run out, deeply saddened me. I used to wake up at five in the morning to watch the games, but I had never felt such sadness before or after that match.”
Gambhir’s Legacy in Indian Cricket
Gautam Gambhir’s journey from a passionate young fan to a cricketing hero is truly inspirational. His performances in the 2007 and 2011 World Cups have cemented his place in Indian cricket history. Gambhir’s dedication and determination have not only brought glory to the nation but also inspired countless young cricketers to chase their dreams.
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