Nakul Shivani/ New Delhi

Sunday marked the 12^th anniversary of India’s second One Day International World Cup triumph in Mumbai. On this day at the Wankhede Stadium in 2011, MS Dhoni launched into a Nuwan Kulasekara straight ball in the 49^th over of the Indian innings to hit a towering six for the hosts to capture not just a trophy but also a nation’s imagination.

With this title triumph India had won the ODI world cup after 28 years, following Kapil’s Devils exploits at Lords on June 25, 1983.

Playing in front of a home crowd, the Dhoni led Men in Blue chased down the target of 275 with 10 balls to spare.

𝘼𝙨 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙜𝙚𝙩! 🏆

🗓️ #OnThisDay in 2011, #TeamIndia won the ODI World Cup for the second time. 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/IJNaLjkYLt

— BCCI (@BCCI) April 2, 2023

Recalling the moment, Dhoni who promoted himself in the batting-order and hit the winning runs, recalled the emotions surrounding the moment. During a special event held in Chennai on Sunday to mark the anniversary of India’s win, Dhoni said the best feeling was “15-20 minute before the final actually got over.”

“We did not need a lot of runs, the partnership was well-placed and the whole stadium started singing Vande Mataram,” Dhoni recalled.

That day also belonged to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar who finally got to hold a world cup trophy. “We all knew it was paaji’s (Tendulkar) last world cup and throughout the tournament we had the feeling we wanted to do it for him,” said Dhoni at the event.

Talking about the winning moment, Tendulkar himself during an event in Mumbai said, “That was the reason my cricketing journey started. An incredible experience.”

12 years ago India 🇮🇳 lifted the World Cup...the greatest moment of my life!

Where were you when this happened and how did you celebrate? ☺️ pic.twitter.com/AeZjMcpo9P

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) April 2, 2023

Also paying tributes to that historic day were former cricketers. Ravi Shastri who was part of the 1983 world cup winning squad said.

12 years ago…what a memorable night!

Can #TeamIndia do it again in 2023 ? - @ICC @cricketworldcup @BCCI 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/xhh7NXq76c

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) April 2, 2023

Chasing 275, India lost Sehwag and Tendulkar early. But a 83-runs stand between Gambhir and Kohli revived India’s chances. 

April 2
12 years ago , the moment of a lifetime, the time of our lives, what we played for bore fruit. #WorldCup winners - Team India. pic.twitter.com/pWY2pww0XO

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) April 2, 2023

Gambhir scored 97, while Dhoni remained unbeaten on 91 off 79 balls. Yuvrajnwas the crease with Dhoni when the winning runs were hit.

Determined & Unconquerable! #Throwback to this historic #WorldCup victory with this epic team 12 years back! 🇮🇳 🏆#WorldCup2011 #Throwback #12Years pic.twitter.com/ScwbfivP2z

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) April 2, 2023

ALSO READ: ICC reveals logo for Cricket World Cup 2023

India will be hosting the 2023 world cup later this year.