Since the inaugural edition of the World Cup in 1975, India has been an integral part of the World Cup Cricket. It has participated in all the editions of the World Cup so far. India won the first Cricket World Cup in 1983 under the captaincy of Kapil Dev. India defeated world champions West Indies at Lord's at a time when everyone thought the game would be a walk in the park for the Caribbeans. But it was not to be. Indians defended a lowly total of 183 runs in 60 overs (yes at that time one day cricket was 60 overs game) bowling out West Indies on 140 thus winning India its first World Cup.
After a high in 1983, India's performance in the following editions World Cup was not up to the mark. The team came very close to winning the World Cup in 2003 under the captaincy of Sourav Ganguly when they played Australia in the finals at Johannesburg, South Africa. India was in high spirits and so were the Indian fans but the match proved an anti climax for the country. Ganguly's decision of putting the Kangaroos to bat backfired as Australia made a mockery of Indian bowling achieving 105 runs in 14 overs before losing a single wicket. Australian captain Ricky Ponting (140 from 121 balls), and Damien Martyn (88 from 84 balls) took Australia to an Australian record of 359 for the loss of only 2 wickets off their 50 overs. India though having a formidable batting line-up in the form of Tendulkar, Ganguly, Dravid and Sehwag but batting fizzled against the pace attack of Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee. India eventually lost the match by 125 runs.
It was only in 2011 that India realized its dream of winning the World Cup at the home turf under the captaincy of Mahindra Singh Dhoni. The 2011 World Cup saw India playing arch rivals Pakistan in the Semifinals at Mohali. India scored 260 runs for the nine wickets with Tendulkar scoring 85 runs off 115 balls. In reply Pakistan managed only 231 runs.
India were to face Sri Lanka in the finals at Wankhede Stadium. After winning the toss, Sri Lanka, despite not a very good start managed to put up a formidable total of 274 for six thanks to Mahela Jayawardene (103 not out from 88 balls, 13 fours) and captain Kumar Sangakkara (48 from 67 balls, 5 fours).
In reply Indians lost Sehwag and Tendulkar cheaply leaving India at 31/2 at the 7th over. It was Gautam Gambir and Virat Kohli who built the Indian innings. After Kohli was caught and bowled to leave India at 114/3, Gambhir (97 from 122 balls, 9 fours) and Dhoni (91 not out from 79 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes) scored 109 runs for the fourth wicket, in a vicious attack on the tiring Sri Lankan bowlers. After Gambhir was bowled by Perera, Yuvraj and Dhoni ensured that India would successfully chase Sri Lanka's score, with Dhoni blasting a massive six off the final delivery. India won the match by six wickets and brought home the coveted World Cup Trophy home second time.
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| God of Cricket |
It was only in 2011 that India realized its dream of winning the World Cup at the home turf under the captaincy of Mahindra Singh Dhoni. The 2011 World Cup saw India playing arch rivals Pakistan in the Semifinals at Mohali. India scored 260 runs for the nine wickets with Tendulkar scoring 85 runs off 115 balls. In reply Pakistan managed only 231 runs.
India were to face Sri Lanka in the finals at Wankhede Stadium. After winning the toss, Sri Lanka, despite not a very good start managed to put up a formidable total of 274 for six thanks to Mahela Jayawardene (103 not out from 88 balls, 13 fours) and captain Kumar Sangakkara (48 from 67 balls, 5 fours).
In reply Indians lost Sehwag and Tendulkar cheaply leaving India at 31/2 at the 7th over. It was Gautam Gambir and Virat Kohli who built the Indian innings. After Kohli was caught and bowled to leave India at 114/3, Gambhir (97 from 122 balls, 9 fours) and Dhoni (91 not out from 79 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes) scored 109 runs for the fourth wicket, in a vicious attack on the tiring Sri Lankan bowlers. After Gambhir was bowled by Perera, Yuvraj and Dhoni ensured that India would successfully chase Sri Lanka's score, with Dhoni blasting a massive six off the final delivery. India won the match by six wickets and brought home the coveted World Cup Trophy home second time.
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