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As the cricketing world gears up for the much-anticipated ODI World Cup 2023, the Indian cricket team is riding high on confidence. The Men in Blue recently secured a series victory against the mighty Australians and will now be entering the ICC event as the no. 1 ODI team of the world.
Amidst the buzz and anticipation surrounding the marquee event, former India opener Virender Sehwag took a trip down memory lane to reflect on the strategies that brought India success in the 2011 World Cup. He even shared a valuable piece of advice legendary MS Dhoni gave to the squad members back then with the current Indian team.
Virender Sehwag reflects on the strategy team India opted for during the 2011 World Cup campaign
In a recent interaction with Cricbuzz, one of the fundamental principles that Sehwag highlighted from the 2011 World Cup campaign was the team’s decision to shield themselves from external distractions, particularly the news media. He explained that this approach was aimed at reducing the pressure that often accompanies high-profile tournaments like the World Cup. Sehwag further emphasized that this decision, endorsed by then-coach Gary Kirsten and captain Dhoni, played a pivotal role in keeping the team unified and focused.
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“We decided we won’t read newspapers, don’t listen to outside noise. Anything which can add to pressure, we won’t do. It had become a rule, and almost everyone genuinely followed that. We stayed together, we tried to enjoy and do team-building exercises. Because it’s easy to drift apart in long tournaments such as these. Gary Kirsten and MS Dhoni ensured that we stay together,” Sehwag explained.
Sehwag shares MS Dhoni’s powerful one-line advice from 2011 with Rohit Sharma and Co.
However, the most significant nugget of wisdom from Dhoni was encapsulated in a simple yet profound one-liner, which Sehwag shared with Rohit Sharma and Co. ahead of the important ODI World Cup 2023.
“But MS Dhoni has this one line, ‘focus on the process’. Our process was good, that’s why we won,” Sehwag reminisced.
