MS Dhoni’s leadership has been a hallmark of India’s cricketing success, and his journey from the 2007 T20 World Cup to the historic 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy triumphs is legendary. Dhoni’s captaincy witnessed some remarkable highs, despite a few setbacks. After the 2007 T20 World Cup win, India experienced early exits in the 2009 and 2010 T20 World Cups but went on to lift the 2011 World Cup on home soil. India then conquered the 2013 Champions Trophy, marking another milestone in their cricketing history. Let’s look back at the contributions of the players who were instrumental in both victories.
#1: Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, one of India’s finest batsmen, has consistently delivered in ICC tournaments. Kohli’s first major ICC event victory came in the 2011 World Cup, where he amassed 262 runs in nine innings at an average of 35.25. His knock of 100* against Bangladesh stood out, and his 35 runs in the final helped India chase down 275 to secure the win. In the 2013 Champions Trophy, Kohli was even more prolific, scoring 176 runs in five innings at an impressive average of 58.66. His knock of 58* off 64 balls in the semi-final against Sri Lanka was crucial in India’s path to victory.
#2: Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s premier spinners, played key roles in both the 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy. In the 2011 World Cup, Ashwin appeared in two matches and took four wickets, including 2/41 against the West Indies. In the final against England, Ashwin played a pivotal role, taking crucial wickets and defending 14 runs in the last over to help India win by five runs. He finished the World Cup with eight wickets in five matches. In the 2013 Champions Trophy, Ashwin continued to be a valuable asset, providing key breakthroughs and maintaining pressure with his bowling.
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#3: MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, ‘Captain Cool,’ led India to both the 2011 World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy titles with astute leadership. His strategic decisions, including key bowling changes, were vital in clinching both trophies. In the 2011 World Cup, Dhoni contributed 241 runs and 10 wicket-keeping dismissals. In the 2013 Champions Trophy, he played a key role behind the stumps with nine dismissals, guiding India to the title. Dhoni’s leadership and ability to inspire his team were crucial to India’s success in both tournaments.
#4: Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina was an important contributor in India’s 2011 World Cup triumph. While he played only four matches, Raina scored 74 runs at an average of 74. His crucial knock of 34* in the quarterfinal against Australia and an unbeaten 36 in the semifinal against Pakistan helped India in tight situations. However, in the 2013 Champions Trophy, Raina’s performance was less impactful as he managed only 17 runs in the tournament at an average of 8.50.
These four players not only played pivotal roles in India’s ICC success but also helped secure two of the nation’s most memorable victories in cricketing history: the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
