India’s historic 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup win remains one of the proudest moments in the nation’s sporting history. What made it even more special was that India became the first team ever to win the ODI World Cup on home soil. The triumph was the result of months of preparation, discipline, and unity — and a lot of that credit goes to Sachin Tendulkar’s leadership and influence in the dressing room.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Breakfast Rule That Brought the Team Together
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina, who was part of the 2011 World Cup-winning squad, recently opened up about the atmosphere within the team during the tournament. Speaking on Ranveer Allahbadia’s YouTube show Taakat, Raina revealed a simple yet powerful rule set by Sachin Tendulkar, affectionately known as “Paaji” by teammates.
According to Raina, Tendulkar and then-coach Gary Kirsten worked hard to create a culture of mutual respect and discipline. The rule? “Everyone has to be at the breakfast table by 7:45 AM. If anyone is late, they have to pay a fine of ₹10,000.”
This small gesture wasn’t about money — it was about ensuring unity, punctuality, and a team-first mentality. Raina shared how the rule kept every player on their toes and helped maintain a close-knit group throughout the intense pressure of the tournament.
Yuvraj Singh’s Heroics Despite Battling Cancer
While the world celebrated India’s win and the stellar performances from players like MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir, and Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh stood out as the Player of the Tournament. He was instrumental with both bat and ball, but very few knew the silent battle he was fighting off the field.
Raina recounted seeing Yuvraj vomit during matches, thinking it was due to the intense Chennai heat. It wasn’t until much later that the team learned Yuvraj was battling cancer during the World Cup. “Hats off to that guy,” Raina said, still in awe of Yuvraj’s grit and commitment. His performances, under such physical and emotional stress, remain one of cricket’s most inspiring stories.
The Unforgettable Final and a Nation United
The grand finale against Sri Lanka at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium was packed with unforgettable moments — from MS Dhoni’s iconic six to seal the win, to fans across the country erupting in celebration.
For Raina, though, the most emotional moment came after the match. “When there was Vande Mataram at Wankhede, it was a surreal feeling. I can’t explain,” he said. The stadium echoed with patriotic chants, and every Indian felt the power of that victory.
India’s 2011 World Cup win wasn’t just about cricket — it was about unity, resilience, and the power of coming together for a common goal. Thanks to leaders like Sachin Tendulkar, unsung heroes like Yuvraj Singh, and the collective spirit of the team, the dream became a reality.
