Gautam Gambhir admits he didn't want MS Dhoni to hit winning runs in 2011 ODI World Cup final, says 'I wish I had finished that...'

World Cup-winner and former star opener Gautam Gambhir is leading the race to become the next head coach of Team India, following Rahul Dravid's departure. Gambhir has already interviewed for the position, and it is believed that the BCCI may soon announce his appointment. 

Gambhir's biggest regret of life

However, before this, Gautam Gambhir revealed the biggest regret of his life. He admitted that he wanted to finish the game in the 2011 ODI World Cup final.

"I wish I had finished that game. It was my job to finish the game, rather than leaving someone to finish the game. If I had to turn back the clock, I would go back there and score the last run, irrespective of how many runs I scored," he said in the 'Rise To Leadership' seminar.

 

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However, Gambhir had earlier admitted that the then-captain MS Dhoni had encouraged him to go for a century in the title clash against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, buoyed by Mahela Jayawardene's century, set a target of 275 runs. India faced a rocky start as opener Virender Sehwag was dismissed on the first delivery. Soon after, Lasith Malinga removed the formidable Sachin Tendulkar for just 18 runs. Gambhir, alongside a steady Virat Kohli, then stabilised the innings, halting the loss of further wickets. Before Kohli was dismissed for an 83-run partnership due to an outstanding catch and bowl by Tilakaratne Dilshan, the duo had significantly contributed to India's chase. Following Kohli's departure, Gambhir and Dhoni formed a pivotal 109-run partnership. Although Gambhir was bowled out for 97, Yuvraj Singh and Dhoni continued, with Dhoni sealing the victory with a famous six over the long-on boundary. His unbeaten 91 led India to a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, securing their second ODI World Cup title.

 

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Gambhir also commented on not captaining Team India for a long run and if he has any disappointment for not doing it.

"I have always thought about performing for the fans, and that has been my thought since the last year of my training career. In the middle, I got this honour of captaining India for six games. I tried doing it to the best of my ability," he said.

 

"Otherwise, I have no regrets whatsoever because my job was not to captain the series. My job was to make my country win, and whichever team I play for, make that team win," he added.

 

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