'I haven't won it for so many years' - Lalchand Rajput reveals what Sachin Tendulkar told him after India's T20 World Cup triumph

Team India went through a transitional phase after their dismal campaign in the 2007 ODI World Cup. The Men in Blue, especially the seniors, was bashed by Indians fans as the nation was infuriated after witnessing the World Cup debacle.

Considering the situation, seniors like Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly had to step off the spotlight to pave the way for youngsters. Tendulkar had even entertained thoughts of retiring from the game due to India’s miserable run.

However, the Master Blaster, after Vivian Richard’s pep talk, refrained from doing so. Tendulkar’s decision eventually reaped him success as his dream of lifting the coveted trophy finally came true in 2011. The MS Dhoni-led side trounced Sri Lanka in the final of the 2011 World Cup and clinched the trophy after 28 years at the Wankhede Stadium. Gautam Gambhir’s fine 97 and Dhoni’s unbeaten 91 steered India to the victory and finally fulfilled Tendulkar’s dream.

Following India’s oust from the 2007 ODI World Cup, the then skipper Rahul Dravid had to convince seniors like Tendulkar and Ganguly to step aside and give a platform to the youngsters in the inaugural T20 World Cup in South Africa. A young India side, led by MS Dhoni, scripted history as they lifted the title in the maiden edition of the showpiece event.

They said let’s give an opportunity to youngsters: Lalchand Rajput

The move of the seniors proved fruitful as the young guns of Team India didn’t let them down. Recalling Dravid’s decision to step aside from the T20 showpiece event, the then team manager Lalchand Rajput revealed what Tendulkar said to him after India’s triumph.

“Yes, it is true (Rahul Dravid stopping Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly from playing the 2007 T20 World Cup). Rahul Dravid was the captain in England and some players came directly from England to Johannesburg (for the T20 World Cup) so they said let’s give an opportunity to the youngsters,” recalled Rajput as quoted by Times Now.

“But after winning the World Cup they must have repented it because Sachin always kept on telling me that I am playing for so many years and I have still not won the World Cup,” he added.