Wasn't sure of playing 2011 World Cup: Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar, the man who scored 482 runs in India’s World Cup winning run in 2011, was not certain of playing the tournament after India’s humiliating group stage exit at the 2007 World Cup.
However, the nation and the cricketing world in general, have to thank his brother Ajit and a few friends who convinced the Master Blaster to hold on till the next World Cup which would be hosted in India.
Sachin revealed, "When we returned from the 2007 World Cup, my brother and few of my friends told me, 'imagine holding the World Cup at the Wankhede in 2011'."
"Various thoughts had entered my mind. It was the first match after they had rebuilt the Wankhede. I still remember precisely how it all happened," Tendulkar said.
Did not watch the winning shot: Sachin
Tendulkar revealed he did not watch the final moments of the Indian victory including Mahnedra Singh Dhoni's six that sealed the deal: "I was sitting in the dressing room and I didn't watch the winning shot. I was praying to God and said, 'Whatever is the best for the Indian team, please do that. I didn't allow Virender Sehwag to go out either. I told him to keep sitting next to me."
While Tendulkar scored 18 off 14 balls, Sehwag was dismissed for a duck. However, Gautam Gambhir and Dhoni batted extremely well to ensure an Indian win against neighbours Sri Lanka in the final of the 2011 World Cup.
The cricket icon said that being a child is what allowed him to entertain the cricketing world for 24 years.
"After we won, the entire nation celebrated. Once you cross the ropes and you're a player, you've got to be a child. That's what allowed me to play for 24 years," Tendulkar said, recalling his emotional celebrations.
Tendulkar was the second highest scorer in the tournament, just 18 runs behind top scorer Tillakaratne Dilshan of Sri Lanka.