Champions: How The Worldcup Was Won

Summary

2 April 2011. After 28 years, the cricket World Cup returned to India when Dhoni's boys beat Sri Lanka on a day that ended in a shower of champagne and confetti. They had started the tournament as favourites, but in the early stages had appeared shaky. Then came the turning point. India were a more purposeful side in the knockout stage, their fielding and bowling efforts now on par with the batting. Led by their captain cool, India took on Australia in Ahmedabad, Pakistan in Mohali and then Sri Lanka in Mumbai with a palpable belief in their own ability. It meant they beat all the former champions. Suresh Menon, easily one of India's best cricketwriters, relives the roller-coaster that was the 2011 World Cup, taking us through the highlights, the disappointments and doubts as well as the triumphs. From Virender Sehwag's boundary off the first ball of the World Cup to Dhoni's final six to the transformation of Yuvraj Singh, it's all here. A running commentary as well as a historical document of one of India's sporting epics.