India secured their second ODI World Cup title on April 2, 2011, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, ending a 28-year drought. The team’s triumph was led by captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who hit an unbeaten 91 to secure a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.
The young Virat Kohli, just 22 years old at the time, was a crucial member of the victorious team. In a recent podcast with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kohli recalled the historic tournament and his surprise at being selected.
“I never expected it to happen. When things are meant to be,” Kohli said. “Sachin Tendulkar was playing his sixth World Cup if I am not wrong. And that was the one he won. And that was my first time and I ended up being on the winning side.”
Kohli went on to become one of India’s most successful Test captains, but he has yet to win another major limited-overs tournament either as a player or a captain. However, he insists that his trophy cabinet is not a top priority.
“I’m not mad about my trophy cabinet being full. That’s always been a by-product of the kind of discipline you have,” Kohli said.
Despite criticism for his limited-overs captaincy, Kohli is proud of the cultural change he brought to the Indian team during his tenure as captain.
“People call me a failed captain, but the cultural change that we brought in and the mindset overhaul that we brought in is something that I am very proud of,” Kohli said.
