“We Did It For A Billion People..”: Yuvraj Singh Remembers India’s Historic 2011 World Cup Win

April 2, 2025: On this day, April 2, in 2011, India achieved its long-awaited dream by clinching the ICC Cricket World Cup after 28 years. It was a historic moment that not only marked India’s triumph on the global stage but also delivered a fitting tribute to the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who had waited for 22 years for this moment.

Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh, reflecting on the win, took to Instagram to express his emotions, saying that the victory was for the billion-strong nation and, most importantly, for the one man who carried the weight of Indian cricket for over two decades—Sachin Tendulkar.

Yuvraj wrote: “April 2, 2011 – the night we did it for a billion people… and for one man who carried Indian cricket on his shoulders for over two decades. That World Cup wasn’t just a win. It was a thank you to a legend. We grew up watching @sachintendulkar. That night, we played to give him the moment he deserved. 14 years later, the memory of India’s win still gives me goosebumps. A night we’ll never forget.”

The 2011 World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka saw a packed Wankhede Stadium filled with hopes and dreams of millions. Sri Lanka, batting first, posted a competitive total of 274/6, thanks to a brilliant 113 from Mahela Jayawardene, alongside valuable contributions from Kumar Sangakkara (48), Tillakaratne Dilshan (48), and Thisara Perera (22*). Zaheer Khan (2/60) and Yuvraj Singh (2/49) were India’s standout bowlers.

India’s chase began with early setbacks, losing openers Virender Sehwag and the iconic Sachin Tendulkar. But Gautam Gambhir (97), Virat Kohli (35), and MS Dhoni (91*) steadied the ship, and together with Yuvraj Singh’s cameo of 21*, India chased down the target with six wickets in hand, securing a historic victory.

Yuvraj Singh was awarded the Player of the Tournament for his stellar all-round performance throughout the tournament. He scored 362 runs in nine matches, averaging 90.50, with a century and four half-centuries. With the ball, he took 15 wickets at an average of 25.13, including a five-wicket haul.

As for Sachin Tendulkar, the 2011 World Cup was his final appearance in the tournament. He finished as India’s top run-scorer with 482 runs in nine matches, including two centuries and two half-centuries, with an average of 53.55. It was a fitting end to his World Cup career, with India lifting the trophy in what was his swan song.

The win not only fulfilled the dreams of the nation but was a perfect tribute to Tendulkar, who had been waiting for this moment for most of his cricketing life. Yuvraj’s heartfelt post captures the emotion of that unforgettable night, one that Indians will forever cherish.