India’s World Cup 2011 Winning Squad: The echoes of April 2, 2011, reverberate in the hearts of every Indian cricket fan. It was the day when India clinched the ICC Cricket World Cup after a wait of 28 years, under the captaincy of the cool-headed MS Dhoni.
The victory at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai was not just a win; it was a culmination of dreams, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The team that brought glory to the nation was not just a squad of players; they were heroes who etched their names in cricketing history. Thirteen years on, let’s take a nostalgic journey through time and see where these legendary players of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad are today.
Take a Look at the Players of India’s World Cup 2011 Winning Squad
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni known as ‘Captain Cool’ was the man who led from the front delivered the winning six, scored 91 runs, he remains an iconic figure in Indian cricket. After the World Cup triumph, Dhoni continued to scale new heights, guiding India to victory in the Champions Trophy and achieving the top spot across all cricket formats. He eventually bid farewell to international cricket in 2020, passing on the baton to Virat Kohli. Currently, Dhoni graces the field in the IPL, possibly in his final season with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where he continues to inspire generations with his leadership and game-changing skills.
Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar known as the master blaster, often hailed as the God of Cricket achieved his lifelong dream of winning the World Cup in 2011. Following his retirement from international cricket in 2013, Tendulkar dabbled in various roles, including a stint as a member of the Rajya Sabha until 2018. Today, the legendary batsman enjoys a peaceful retirement, occasionally participating in Legends cricket tournaments, and relishing time with family and friends, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and its followers.
Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag’s swashbuckling style and fearless approach made him a fan favourite. After bidding adieu to international cricket in 2015, Sehwag ventured into commentary and cricket analysis, showcasing his wit and cricketing insights. Known for his humorous tweets, Sehwag continues to entertain his fans while also contributing to the sport’s commentary landscape, injecting his unique blend of charisma and knowledge.
Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh’s heroic performances in the 2011 World Cup, despite battling cancer later in his career, earned him the title of Player of the Tournament. After retiring from international cricket in 2019, Yuvraj remains active in global retired players’ leagues, showcasing his undying love for the game and inspiring countless others with his resilience and determination.
Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir, known for his gritty innings and solid contributions, transitioned into politics after his cricketing career in 2016. While serving as a mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL, Gambhir also delved into coaching roles and commentary, adding depth to his post-retirement engagements and leaving a lasting impact on the cricketing fraternity.
Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh, with his crafty spin bowling, played a pivotal role in India’s victories. After retiring from international cricket in 2021, he ventured into politics with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and continues to showcase his skills in retired players’ leagues, all while engaging with fans through his YouTube channel, providing insights into the game and beyond.
Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan, known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, retired from all formats in 2017. Today, he shares his expertise as a cricket analyst and serves as the director of cricket operations for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, contributing to the development of the sport at various levels.
Munaf Patel
Munaf Patel, a key figure in India’s pace attack, retired in 2018. While his on-field presence may have ceased, Patel continues to contribute to the game, occasionally participating in veteran leagues, showcasing that passion for cricket knows no bounds, even after stepping away from the international limelight.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, a dynamic batsman and inspirational leader, is one of the few still active from the 2011 squad. Leading Team India with vigour, Kohli has maintained his dominance in world cricket, continuing to excel as a top-order batsman. His leadership skills and batting prowess make him a vital asset, representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL and cementing his legacy as one of the game’s modern greats.
Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina’s international career may have concluded in 2018, but his impact on Indian cricket remains vivid. Retiring alongside MS Dhoni in 2020, Raina has transitioned into commentary roles, providing insights during IPL and international matches, ensuring his contributions to the game extend beyond the boundary ropes.
S. Sreesanth
S. Sreesanth’s fiery pace and aggression added a different dimension to India’s bowling attack. Retiring in 2013, Sreesanth explored diverse avenues, including a stint in politics and participation in T20 leagues, showcasing his versatility beyond the cricket field.
Ashish Nehra
Ashish Nehra bid farewell to cricket in 2018, after which he ventured into coaching roles. Currently, he serves as the head coach for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of cricketers, ensuring a seamless transition of skills and insights.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin, a prominent spinner in Indian cricket, continues to weave his magic on the field. Active in international cricket and also running a successful YouTube channel, Ashwin combines his cricketing skills with a penchant for sharing knowledge and engaging with fans, showcasing his multifaceted personality.
Piyush Chawla
Piyush Chawla, although not in the international spotlight since 2012, remains a familiar face in the Indian Premier League (IPL), displaying his leg-spin prowess for various franchises. As IPL 2024 unfolds, it might mark the conclusion of a memorable journey for Chawla, leaving behind a legacy of spin bowling excellence.
Yusuf Pathan
Yusuf Pathan bid adieu to cricket in 2021, culminating in a career filled with explosive batting and crucial contributions. Transitioning to T20 and T10 leagues globally, Pathan has also ventured into politics, showcasing his diverse interests and contributions beyond the cricketing arena.
