[Watch] “Dhoni bhai ne chakka maara, usse bhi jeete” - 2011 World Cup-winner’s spicy rapid-fire round
Former Indian batter Suresh Raina credited the 2011 World Cup victory to the collective effort of the entire team, along with MS Dhoni’s iconic six. India triumphed over Sri Lanka in the final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, securing the championship after a 28-year wait.
In a rapid-fire round with News24, Raina was asked who led India to victory in the 2011 World Cup, to which the left-hander responded:
“Puri team ne jeetvaya tha.” [The entire team had won through their collective efforts].
The host then asked if people believed the victory was solely due to MS Dhoni's winning hit, to which the 38-year-old responded:
“Dhoni bhai ne chakka maara, usse bhi jeete.” [Dhoni hit a six, and we won because of that as well].
Here’s a video of the moment:
When questioned about who secured the 2024 T20 World Cup for the nation, Raina replied:
“The crucial catch of David Miller by Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya’s final over, Jasprit Bumrah's spell, a fifty from Virat Kohli, and a brilliant quick-fire innings from Axar Patel — all the players fought hard.” [translated from Hindi].
When asked why Virat Kohli hasn't won an IPL trophy, he answered:
“Is saal jeetenge.” [He will win this year].
Virat Kohli is the all-time leading run-scorer in IPL history, with 8,004 runs in 252 matches. He has been with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) since the tournament's inception in 2008 but has yet to win a trophy.
Suresh Raina names his former IPL franchise skipper as the best Indian captain ever
During the same rapid-fire round, Suresh Raina called MS Dhoni the best Indian captain ever. Under the leadership of the wicketkeeper-batter, the Men in Blue won the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
Fans can watch the video here:
Raina also hailed Sachin Tendulkar as the best batter, Yuvraj Singh as the best left-handed batter, Zaheer Khan as the best pacer, and Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh as the best spinners.
Additionally, he regarded former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri as the best commentator.