Dear MSD,
On 31st March 2011, I had mentioned in this blog that I was disappointed with your batting in the Semi Final against Pakistan. But I also had mentioned that probably you are waiting for the right time to peak up to your best performance. I had also mentioned that I did not want you to bat in the final innings.
When in the final innings so many runs were given by Sreesanth, I even questioned your captaincy. I made remarks on your selection of bowling spells. When Sachin was given out, I thought we are again going to witness a 2003 debacle.
The day the tournament started, I wanted to see the Helicopter Shot, but as the tournament progressed hope gave way to disappointment. As more and more innings went by, the belief got tested and somewhere I also broke down to change the thinking, that it was only Sachin who could win the cup for himself.
I was also referred to by my friends to be thinking very negative, but when Kohli went out, I wanted you to come up the order, because of the feeling that Yuvi although in form is not comfortable with spin and you could finally show some character. When you were batting at 7 off 17 balls, I had remarked that hope rests with Raina once again.
But, thank you for proving me wrong, thank you reinstating the belief, thank you for showing the ultimate character, thank you for putting up a performance I will never ever forget!
In your entire after match interviews were punching me with answers on the questions I had raised and I was feeling ecstatic each time. May be we will win many more World Cups under more pressure situations but I am sure along with 1.2 Billion Indians that this one will always remain special. Something I would cherish to tell even my grand children about!
To top it all when God says this:
Dhoni is the best captain I played under
P. S: And thank you for the modified Helicopter!!
Suman Paul
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