Paddy Upton was India’s Mental Conditioning and Strategic Leadership Coach in 2011. He was a part of the backroom staff that won the World Cup back in 2011.
He spoke to cricket.com about the 2011 World Cup win, discussing how the team was confident in Gautam Gambhir’s abilities despite losing Sehwag and Tendulkar early on in the final.
India famously lost both Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag within seven overs, with the hosts reeling at 31/2 in the final. Batting at No.3, Gautam Gambhir stitched crucial partnerships with Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, scoring a brilliant 97.
Looking back at the importance of Gautam Gambhir’s knock, Paddy Upton admitted the left-hander was the glue that kept the batting line-up together. He also explained how Gautam Gambhir was the perfect foil to Virender Sehwag’s aggression.
Upton hails Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni
Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni were the two heroes of the 2011 World Cup final, as India chased down Sri Lanka’s target in the 49th over. The skipper’s 91* came under immense pressure, with MS Dhoni not doing much with the bat before the final.
Sharing how the team felt when the duo were out in the middle, Paddy Upton conceded Gambhir and Dhoni were best suited to pull off the chase.
MS Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir put up a 109 run partnership in the final, with the duo’s contribution being the main reason why India won the final by six wickets.
0 votes
