The 2011 World Cup was one of the most successful events for the Indian cricket team. It was memorable for many players, who gave their best and helped India to win the prestigious title. The star Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was one of them.
Ashwin, who made his international debut in 2010 ODI series against Sri Lanka, was drafted into India’s World Cup squad on the back of some good performances. Interestingly, Ashwin had played only a few ODI games before the showpiece tournament but the then skipper MS Dhoni backed him and the offie didn’t let him down.
After sitting on the bench in the first few matches, Ashwin finally got a chance to play in the 2011 World Cup against West Indies. He scalped 2 wickets for 41 runs as India won the match by 80 runs.
Recalling the memories of the tournament, Ashwin said the attention given by fans and media stimulated him to give his best.
“I remember that World Cup clearly. Every morning I woke up, I wasn’t playing in the XI. I just played a few ODI games but I had performed quite well, and every day I woke up, the paper would read Ashwin should get a game,” Ashwin told SportsKeeda.
When Ashwin struggled to be the part of playing XI
With Harbhajan Singh already being the spearhead in the spin department at that time, it was a bit difficult for the team management to include both Ashwin in the Playing XI.
“We had Bhajju pa in the XI as well. So, I was finding it very difficult to balance. For me, it was like, I would like to be playing. Everybody was saying that I should play and if I play, India will win the World Cup.”