In the latest development, a memorial is set to be built by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) in honour of MS Dhoni‘s historical six, which secured India’s triumph in the 2011 World Cup final at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. At the precise spot where the former India captain’s title-winning six landed in the stands, the memorial will be constructed to commemorate the iconic moment.
“We will install a memorial at the very place where the six had landed in the stands,” said MCA president Amol Kale as quoted by Cricbuzz.
“It is difficult to identify exactly on which seat the ball had landed. We have identified three-four seats, and we will install the memorial at that very spot,” added Kale.
The decision was taken in a meeting of its Apex Council in Mumbai on Monday. Incidentally, the meeting took place just a day after the 12th anniversary of the 2011 World Cup final (on April 2, 2011) against Sri Lanka.
“It would be a fitting tribute to MS Dhoni’s match-winning innings, and we hope it will inspire many youngsters to follow the footsteps of Captain Cool in cricket,” MCA secretary Ajinkya Naik said.
Notably, in the summit clash between India and Sri Lanka, the Islanders batted first and posted a competitive total of 274/6 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to an unbeaten century by veteran Mahela Jayawardene (103) and vital contributions from skipper Kumar Sangakkara (48). Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and frontline pacer Zaheer Khan claimed two wickets each, while ace spinner Harbhajan Singh took one scalp.
India’s chase started on a poor note with the early dismissals of Virender Sehwag (0) and Sachin Tendulkar (18). However, Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli (35) put together an essential 83-run partnership to revive India’s chances.
The left-handed batter went on to score 97 runs off 122 balls and had formed a much-needed 109-run stand with skipper Dhoni, who remained unbeaten on 91 off 79 balls. Dhoni, along with Yuvraj (21 not out), added 54 runs for the fifth wicket, leading Team India to their first World Cup title in 28 years after slamming Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Kulasekara for a six in the stands.
