Gary Kirsten reveals Yuvraj Singh almost got dropped from the 2011 World Cup, and MS Dhoni stepped in!

Many contemporary Indian cricket fans who were not present for the first World Cup victory in 1983 nevertheless consider India's historic victory in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup to be one of the most memorable days of their lives.

Advertisment

After a 28-year wait, India won the ICC Cricket World Cup because they were the best team in the competition, and each player did their part. The title clinch made MS Dhoni a household name and one of the most decorated captains in world cricket.

However, Yuvraj Singh, the left-handed Indian master all-rounder, was one player who significantly contributed to India's victory. Singh's all-around skill with the bat and ball ultimately earned him the title of Man of the Tournament.

Gary Kirsten, the coach of India who won the 2011 World Cup, has made a shocking admission. According to him, Yuvraj Singh, an all-rounder who won Player of the Series in the competition, was not guaranteed a spot on the squad that would have been selected for it. Despite having a lacklustre 2010, Yuvraj was fortunate enough to be trusted and selected for the World Cup the following year. 

Advertisment

By playing a crucial part in India's victory, he returned the trust. During the competition, Yuvraj took 15 wickets and scored 362 runs. After 28 years, MS Dhoni's India won the World Cup after defeating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the tournament's final match.

He disclosed that Yuvraj Singh's selection was the subject of intense discussion among the BCCI selectors, who described it as "flipping close." Kirsten claimed that he and Captain MS Dhoni were "very keen" to include him, and their decision ultimately proved to be a brilliant one.

"Thank goodness we picked him because it was flipping close, he was. It was not a slam-dunk selection. The selectors kind of debated around the 15 players. I was very keen to have him in the team, as was Dhoni, because of the experience that he brought to the group. And look at the World Cup he ended up having," Kirsten told Rediff.com.

Advertisment

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!