India has always had access to some of the best batsmen in the game’s history. The cricket World Cup is the grandest stage, and big players rise to the occasion. Hence, it is not surprising that Indian batters have produced some amazing innings throughout the World Cup.
The Indian batsmen scored many amazing runs in the biggest cricket competition, making it difficult to pick only five. Yet, these innings were hand-selected based on the effect they had on the remainder of the game and the time they were called.
3) Gautam Gambhir (97 vs Sri Lanka, 2011)
India had a rough start in the 2011 World Cup final as they attempted to chase down a massive total of 275. As Virender Sehwag was out on the first ball of the innings, Gautam Gambhir arrived at the crease earlier than he had intended.
The left-hander, who fulfilled the duties of an anchor by perfectly timing his innings and giving the pursuit solidity, recognised the situation and acted accordingly. Even though Sri Lanka appeared to be winning after promptly taking out both of the openers, he remained calm. Gambhir took his game seriously and relied on singles and doubles rather than going for massive hits. He was also a contender for Man of the match in that game.
2) Kapil Dev (175 vs Zimbabwe, 1983)
As India was struggling for 17 for 5 in a must win game in the group stage, all hope seemed to be lost for the team. Even reaching 200 seemed unlikely when India was down to 140/8, but Kapil Dev persisted in his assault. The team’s wicketkeeper, Syed Kirmani, supported Kapil Dev by remaining seated at the other ends as the two developed their 126-run unbroken partnership.
Sadly, this game was not broadcasted, therefore there are no images of the innings, but Indian supporters may conjure up the entire scene in their minds by just praising the captain’s unwavering class and courage. This victory was crucial because it gave the Indian squad the inspiration they needed to win the World Cup for the first time in 1983.
1) MS Dhoni (91* vs Sri Lanka, 2011)
Undoubtedly, one of the greatest knocks to be ever played in a World Cup final was played by the Indian skipper, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The Indian skipper decided to play himself as he backed his gut feeling and pushed himself to succeed against Muttiah Muralidharan whom he had put into the assault. He was daring because he had the self-assurance to take the lead over an in-form Yuvraj Singh. Dhoni began tentatively, but as he calmed down, he began to open his arms.
In the World Cup final, the wicket-keeper batsman led India to victory with eight fours and two sixes. With a magnificent six over the bowler’s head, the Indian skipper put an elegant conclusion on the game. This performance will always be remembered in the annals of Indian cricket.