Sachin Tendulkar reveals why he asked MS Dhoni to bat ahead of Yuvraj Singh in the ICC Cricket World 2011

Sachin Tendulkar had told team management to send MS Dhoni ahead of Yuvraj Singh in the ICC Cricket World 2011 

Former legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar opened up about the decision of sending MS Dhoni ahead of Yuvraj Singh in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. He said that he wanted the left-right combination to stay as it would’ve disturbed the lines and lengths of spinners. 

The final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 is etched in the hearts of every Indian fan. The Indian Cricket Team thumped the Sri Lankan Cricket Team in the final of the tournament to lift the World Cup title under the leadership of MS Dhoni, who played a crucial role in the final, after 28 years.

It was the last World Cup for Sachin Tendulkar, and the team gave their all in the tournament. Be it in batting or bowling, the Indian Cricket team was sensational. Almost every member contributed at some stage as they gave a perfect send-off to the great Tendulkar. 

In the final against Sri Lanka, India were under pressure while chasing the target. Both Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag lost their wickets early, and then Virat Kohli, along with Gautam Gambhir, steadied the ship with their small partnership. 

But Kohli lost his wicket early, and it was then that MS Dhoni walked out to bat ahead of Yuvraj Singh, who was in the great. The skipper played a crucial role and scored an unbeaten 91 runs to take his team home. 

Later, it was revealed by Virender Sehwag that Sachin Tendulkar decided to send MS Dhoni ahead of Yuvraj Singh. Asked if Sehwag’s statement was correct, Tendulkar confirmed it and revealed the reason behind it. 

The left-right batting combination would have upset the two off-spinners – Sachin Tendulkar

He said that, along with keeping the left-right combination, he wanted MS Dhoni to play Muralitharan as the keeper-batter played the spinners in nets at Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Speaking on Reddit, he said: 

“There were two reasons. The left-right batting combination would have upset the two off-spinners. Also, Muralitharan had played for CSK (from 2008–2010) and MS had played him for three seasons in the nets.”

The decision paid off incredibly as MS Dhoni played a brilliant innings, while Gautam Gambhir contributed 97 runs as India chased the target with ease.

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