'Toh baaki 10 waha lassi peene gaye the?' - Harbhajan Singh on MS Dhoni getting credit for India's World Cup 2011 triumph

Harbhajan Singh is one of the finest spinners to have represented India. In his glorious international career spanning almost two decades, the Punjab cricketer has been a part of many of India’s memorable triumphs including the ICC T20 World Cup 2007 and the 2011 ODI World Cup where he also made significant contributions with his off-spin bowling

As for India’s World Cup triumph in 2011, MS Dhoni is often credited for playing a 91-run knock in the final. Most importantly, the winning six he smashed off Nuwan Kulasekara has etched in the minds of Indian fans and the moment is often recalled on the anniversary of the triumph. In the same game, Gautam Gambhir had also played a crucial role in the run-chase with a brilliant knock of 97 runs. But there is a notion among a section of fans that only Dhoni gets credit for winning the World Cup.

Lately, Harbhajan also joined that list and opined that India’s World Cup triumph was only possible due to team work and not based on individual performances. He said this as a part of his IPL 2022 analysis prior to the game between the Delhi Capitals and the Kolkata Knight Riders. The other experts present during the show were his former teammates Irfan Pathan and Mohammad Kaif.

It’s a team game: Harbhajan Singh

” When Australia wins the World Cup at that time everyone says ‘Australia won the World Cup’. When India wins the World Cup at that time, eveeyone said, ‘MS Dhoni won the World Cup. Toh baaki ke 10 waha lassi peene gaye the?,” said Harbhajan Singh while speaking on Star Sports. “What did the other 10 players do? What did Gautam Gambhir do? What did the others do?  It’s a team game. When 7-8 players play well only then only your team will progress”, he added.

Bhajji on 🔥🤣🤣🤣… But no hate for MS 👍 pic.twitter.com/4tXxc90lt6

— Arghya Dey (@91_arghya) April 11, 2022

Two years ago, i.e. on April 2, 2020, even Gautam Gambhir had angrily reacted to a social media post showing MS Dhoni’s World Cup-winning six saying that the 2011 World Cup was won by entire India, the entire Indian team, and all support staff.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni was adjudged the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 91 runs from 79 deliveries. Gambhir, on the other hand, stabilized the Indian innings after being reduced to 31/2 after losing Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar early. He was involved in an 83-run stand for the third wicket with the then young Virat Kohli and carried out the rescue act for the Men In Blue.

The southpaw was castled by Thisara Perera when on 97 but, Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh ensured that there were no further hiccups as India crossed the line by six wickets in the penultimate over.