2011 World Cup Heroes: Where Are Indian Cricket Legends, What Are They Doing Now?

April 2nd holds a special place in the hearts of millions of cricket fans in India for it was the day when the Indian cricket team, led by MS Dhoni, secured a historic victory in the 2011 World ODI Cup, ending a 28-year drought.

The final, held at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on this day, saw India successfully chase down 275 against Sri Lanka, kicking off celebrations across the length and breadth of the country over the next few days.

Despite early dismissals of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Captain Dhoni's resilient partnership ensured a six-wicket triumph with 10 balls to spare. Let's delve into the current pursuits of the 2011 World Cup squad members.

Virender Sehwag

Retiring from all forms of cricket in 2015, Sehwag transitioned into a cricket expert and commentator, contributing to ICC events and series. He also engages with fans through his YouTube channel, providing insights on matches and player performances.

Sachin Tendulkar

Renowned as one of cricket's greatest batsmen, Tendulkar has been a mentor for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, accumulating 482 runs in the 2011 World Cup. Post-retirement, he focusses on family time, occasional participation in cricket tournaments, and inaugurated the Sachin Tendulkar Middlesex Academy.

Gautam Gambhir

Known for his crucial 97-run innings in the 2011 final, Gambhir retired in 2018. Currently associated with Lucknow Super Giants as an IPL mentor in 2022, he also serves as a Member of Parliament representing East Delhi.

Virat Kohli

From a rookie in the 2011 World Cup to a prominent batsman and former captain, Kohli led India across formats. He stepped down from T20I captaincy post-2021 World Cup and resigned from Test captaincy after India's loss in South Africa. He also relinquished captaincy of his IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru and in the IPL 2024, the right-handed batter opens the innings.

MS Dhoni

Retiring from international cricket in 2020, Dhoni continues to play for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. The 42-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand led the team to five IPL titles. CSK won the IPL 2023 title under Dhoni's leadership. Ahead of the IPL 2024, Dhoni relinquished captaincy of the franchise making way for young Ruturaj Gaikwad to lead the side. He is playing as a wicketkeeper-batter in IPL 2024.

Yuvraj Singh

A standout performer in the 2011 World Cup, Yuvraj retired in 2019 and engages in global T20 leagues. He dedicates time to business commitments and cancer awareness through his foundation, YouWeCan.

Suresh Raina

Retiring in 2020, Raina works as a commentator and focuses on the Gracia Raina Foundation, addressing maternal and adolescent health awareness. The former Chennai Super Kings cricketer also owns a restaurant in Amsterdam.

Harbhajan Singh

Having retired, Harbhajan serves as a commentator in the 15th season of the IPL. He is also a Member of Parliament nominated by the Aam Aadmi Party.

Zaheer Khan

Retired in 2015, the legendary left-arm pacer Zaheer Khan is the director of cricket operations for Mumbai Indians and contributes as a part-time cricket commentator.

Munaf Patel

Retired in 2018, Munaf pursues business commitments and participates in T20 tournaments globally. The right-arm pacer from Gujarat generally pursues a quiet life away from media frenzy.

Sreesanth

Returning to cricket in 2020 after a ban, Sreesanth explores opportunities in cricket and engages in reality shows and regional films. The former India cricketer also participates in T20 cricket tournaments involving retired cricketers. He also donned the commentator's hat during the IPL 2022 season for official broadcasters Star Sports.

Ashish Nehra

Having retired in 2017, Ashish Nehra serves as an active commentator, cricket expert, and head coach of Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022. In his very first stint as the coach of the IPL franchise, Nehra helped the team win the IPL 2022 trophy and GT finished runners-up in the subsequent year, losing to CSK in the final in IPL 2023.

Ravichandran Ashwin

Currently playing for Rajasthan Royals in IPL, Ashwin remains a leading spinner in Test cricket. The senior off-spinner from Tamil Nadu recently completed 500 Test wickets in the home series against England in February 2024. Ashwin became the fastest Indian to claim 500 scalps in the longer format of the game.

Yusuf Pathan

Having retired in 2021, Pathan played his 100th first-class game in February and had been part of domestic teams like Baroda in the Ranji Trophy. The hard-hitting all-rounder has retired from domestic cricket and participates in cricket tournaments for retired cricketers, such as the Legends League. Pathan has now forayed into active politics as he became a candidate for Trinamool Congress from Bahrampur seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

Piyush Chawla

The Uttar Pradesh cricketer, who couldn't feature in the playing eleven in the marquee event, continues to play in the Ranji Trophy for Gujarat. He was picked up by Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2023 and continues to lead the Mumbai-based franchise's spin attack in the IPL 2024 season.

Gary Kirsten (Coach)

Post the 2011 World Cup, Kirsten coached South Africa and IPL teams. The legendary batter from South Africa also launched an online coaching program. He is acting as the coach of Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2024.

Support Staff

Eric Simmons, Paddy Upton, Nitin Patel, Ramji Srinivasan and Mike Horn were involved in various roles in cricket coaching and fitness after the 2011 World Cup and continue contributing to the sport.