2011 World Cup win heroes recall best memories from triumph

On the tenth anniversary of India’s historic triumph at the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, we take a look at what some of the key members of the side have to say about the tournament, its memories and their journeys

The all-rounder was the Player of the Tournament and one of the key reasons why India lifted the trophy. Talking about where the team drew inspiration from for the campaign, he said, "Sachin paaji deserved that win. He had achieved everything in his life and the World Cup was something missing. When I had a discussion with him as to how to go about the tournament, he said 'play it for someone special' and so I think as a team we played it for somebody special, and I am glad we could do it for him."

Gambhir scored four half centuries in the tournament, including a crucial 97 in the final. But he says the fact that India won and not the knock itself, is his most cherished memory from the win. "My biggest achievement is not the 97, but when people come up to me and say 'thank you for the World Cup'. That's the biggest medal which I've won," he said.

A senior member of the team in 2011, Harbhajan was one of the few players who had been part of the defeat in the 2003 World Cup final. The spinner says that the 2011 win acted as a balm for the wounds of 2003. "Every cricketer has a dream - being part of the World Cup-winning team winning. In 2003, we were all shattered after losing the final. We had worked very hard to get there. So, when the dream came true after eight years, we all felt good," he said.

Raina was one of the younger members of the side and the southpaw says the night of April 2, 2011 ranks among the best of his life. He said, "I couldn't sleep the whole night. I came to my room at 4am. Then we went to a felicitation ceremony in the morning. The whole night was beautiful. I remember each and every hour. The entire country was so happy."

The off-spinner wasn't in India's first choice XI for the first half of the tournament but later delivered match-winning performances. During his times on the sidelines, many experts called for his inclusion in the team. The spinner said that it motivated him further. "Every cricketer wants to play, but here I am, being told that I must play. So, delivery of the fact saying, Ashwin will play and he will help the team win, sort of told me, if I have to play, I need to win the World Cup for the country," he said.