'Wasn't Just A Win, It Was Thank You to Legend' - 2011 World Cup Winners Recall Triumph From 14 Years Ago

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2011 World Cup winners took to social media to recall the memorable triumph from 14 years ago, when Team India under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni lifted the ODI World Cup for the first time since 1983.

On April 2nd 2011, opting to bat at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Sri Lanka rode on Mahela Jayawardena's century to post 274/6 in their allotted 50 overs. In response, Gautam Gambhir (97 off 122) and MS Dhoni (91* off 79) delivered in a big way to secure a six-wicket win for India, sealed with an iconic six by the captain.

Following the win, some of the Indian cricketers lifted legendary Sachin Tendulkar over their shoulder and paraded across the stadium during the team's victory lap as millions soaked in the triumph. 14 years on, that moment is still etched in billion memories.

To mark the anniversary, several members of that triumphant team took to social media to recall the moment when India ended a 28-year wait for a 50-over World Cup, a first since Kapil Dev took the underdogs to glory.

Former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who had a terrific tournament with both bat and ball, said the win was a thank you to a legend, referring to Tendulkar, who had come close, but not won the World Cup during his career in five previous attempts.

"April 2, 2011 - the night we did it for a billion people... and for one man who carried Indian cricket on his shoulders for over two decades. That World Cup wasn't just a win. It was a thank you to a legend. We grew up watching @sachin_rt. That night, we played to give him the moment he deserved. 14 years later, the memory of India's win still gives me goosebumps. A night we'll never forget," Yuvraj posted on X.

Suresh Raina also followed with a post of his own recognising the efforts of his teammates, including Gautam Gambhir, Dhoni, Tendulkar, Yuvraj and Zaheer Khan among others, and added that the moment still gives him goosebumps.

"ON THIS DAY in 2011, India scripted history by winning the ICC Cricket World Cup! I still get goosebumps thinking about that iconic moment when @msdhoni hit that six! But it wasn't just about one person, it was a team effort!," Raina posted on X.

"Huge appreciation for the entire team's hard work, dedication & perseverance! @GautamGambhir's 97, @sachin_rt's valuable contributions throughout, @YUVSTRONG12 all-round brilliance, @harbhajan_singh's crucial wickets, @ImZaheer exceptional bowling & the entire support staff! @BCCI We all made India proud."

Meanwhile, Virender Sehwag said it was a dream come true moment for the whole team and then highlighted the difficulty of winning a 50-over World Cup, but hoped India add a third title in two years time.

"14 years ago #OnThisDay in 2011, we won the 50 over world cup after 28 years. 42 years now and 2 World Cups. Shows how difficult it is and what a significant day it was for all of us to make the dream come true. A day I can never forget. Hoping we win the next one in 2 years," Sehwag posted on X.