New Delhi: Many years ago in 2011, the entire nation erupted in joy when captain MS Dhoni had hit Sri Lanka's Nuwan Kulasekara for a huge six to power India to their 2nd ODI World Cup win. India had then won an ODI World Cup after a huge gap of 28 years after Kapil Dev beat mighty Windies at Lords in 1983.
On the 11th anniversary of India's ODI World Cup triumph, Virat Kohli revealed when legend Sachin Tendulkar told him when the RCB star was getting ready to walk out to bat at number three during the 2011 World Cup final.
"I remember the pressure of walking into bat, 2 down for 20 (2-31) I think it was. Sachin and Sehwag both got out. I was walking in, Sachin paaji had a brief chat with me and he said build a partnership. And we did build a partnership, me and Gautam Gambhir. I got 35, probably the most valuable 35 I have scored in my cricketing career. I felt very happy that I was a part of putting the team on track and contributed in whatever way I could," Kohli said in a video posted on RCB's twitter handle.
"The thrill of winning the World Cup was unbelievable and the atmosphere of the crowd singing 'Vande Mataram', 'Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander' song, it was so surreal and it is still so fresh," he added.
After India defeated Sri Lanka to win the summit clash, Kohli had said, "Tendulkar has carried the burden of the nation of 21 years; it was time we carried him."
Talking about his famous remark, Kohli said: "I said what I said. It was true. His legacy had to be taken forward, massive shoes to fill. I think we have tried to contribute to Indian cricket as close to what he can. His achievements are so great and far-fetched, it feels surreal to be in that process. 11 years later, I stand here. I said that I had said then. Now I understand the weight of those expectations."