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Throwback: When India became World Champions in 2007

The Men in Blue under skipper MS Dhoni won the ICC T20 World Cup in South Africa

It was a historical moment. The nation waited for 24 years for it to happen. India became world champions by winning the ICC T20 World Cup 2007. The young team did not enter the tournament as favorites. However, they played top-quality cricket and absorbed mental pressure, as they clinched the cup in grand style.Β 

 

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It was the first edition of the T20 World Cup. India entered the tournament under an inexperienced skipper, MS Dhoni. However, Dhoni led the team with calmness and instilled in the team a belief that they can win the trophy. India headed into the tournament without the facility of a coach. But they worked wonders and made the fans proud.

How did India win the World Cup?

Batting first, India posted a decent 158/5 in 20 overs, thanks to Gautam Gambhir’s 75-run knock and Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 30 off 16 balls. Pakistan looked down and out in the run chase before Misbah ul Haq staged a fightback. However, the player of the match, Irfan Pathan, dealt the Men in Green challenge with three wickets.Β 

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In the pulsating last over, Pakistan required 13 runs to win. The over was bowled by Joginder Sharma. The first ball went for a six over mid-off. In the second ball, Misbah tried something fancy, and he ended up in the hands of S Sreesanth, as India took home the trophy. It was a historical day, and it led to the popularity of T20 cricket in India. Tournaments like IPL entered the cricket calendar, after India’s win.

Β Young champions did the unthinkable

Some of the senior members, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sourav Ganguly asked the selectors not to consider them for the World Cup team. The star trio wanted the youngsters to get the opportunity to prove their worth, and it proved to be a brilliant decision.Β 

After 15 years, India has not added one more trophy to the T20 cabinet. However, Rohit Sharma and Co. will aim at history as they aim hands at winning the trophy this year.

 

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