It was a scintillating thrilling revenge for Sehwag – the despair and humiliation of 2007 was to be paid back in full in the 2011 odi world cup.
In 2007, India suffered a shocking defeat to Bangladesh in the ODI Cricket World Cup, leading to harsh criticism and scrutiny of all Indian cricket players, but especially - Virender Sehwag. Sehwag's form had been in decline, since 2005 and had already been a contentious controversial pick in this highly sought after squad.
But after failing to perform under extreme pressure – the backlash he faced, the rebuke he received back home in India
Was so severe so harsh – that soon enough, he would be booted in all formats – in the Indian team. Tests, Odi and T20
However, a resurgence came when Anil Kumble, insisted on Sehwag's inclusion for a tour to Australia. A tour that would be later Known as the Monkey gate series after the famous Sydney test fiasco.
Sehwag would not only secure his place in the team
But go about constructing an epic rebirth of sorts. Going higher than he had ever been in his lauded career
A new Sehwag a bit more cautious a bit more conservative would set the cricketing world ablaze once more.
Getting himself the vice captaincy of the Indian team by 2011
And that would be start of a scandal of epic proportions as Sehwag – now elevated to the position of captain due to injuries to the captain
Would go to Bangladesh and say –
They are an ordinary side – they cant defeat us
In one interview - Converting a friendly tour into a battle for national pride.
the firestorm of media attacks and bad blood such that icc
decided to keep the opening match of the 2011 odi world cup between the two co hosts
setting it up as a rematch of the 2007 match, further intensifying the rivalry.
And even though india were the favorites to win this tournament
Injuries to key players like Sachin Tendulkar, Praveen Kumar, Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag himslefs meant that the match would be a closely fought affair
And given how far the bcci had went to rub off the memory of that last world cup
Even changing the format fo the world cup from a 4 groups affair
To a 2 groups round robin
None of that too out the brunt of that defeat
Nor decrease the importance of this match
Especially when Sehwag – the man declared as the brand ambassador of the 2011 odi world cup
Went ahead and called this match the moment of their revenge
With next days headlines reading
"Team India seek revenge for 2007 debacle",
"Tonight: vengeance", and "Time to put Caribbean nightmare behind".
So suffice to say
Bangladesh – that had gone on in an ndefeated run at home
Alonf with admirable performance in sher e bangla stadium
Enriched by experiences in IPL and other T20 leagues around the world
Were suitably enraged
Such was the animosity built by this point
That the opening match
To be played in bangladeshs sher e bangla stadium
Had the government declaring a bank holiday to prevent any undue disaster
And the Bangladeshi team wanting to use the pressure their home crowd would come to bear
Decided to zero in on sehwags statement of wanting to bat all 50 overs inspite of being injured
Counting on Sehwag playing defensively at the start
They decided to target him early
And take his wicket as soon as possible
And as Bangladesh set about there plan
On the very first ball of the match
This was a true insight into sehwag’s mind
His attitude and his beliefs
A person who spoke exactly what he felt
Wth no filters or apprehensions
Each and every word coming out of his mouth was his truth
This match
His years long desire
So on he went
Constructing his long south revenge
Using calculated aggression to being down bowlers after Bangladeshi bowler
Blowing away all previous debris
Banishing all past ghosts
Sehwag went on to set a masterclass of an inning
Not only scoring his won century within 30 overs
But limping by the end
Taking India to a massive 370/4
Along with Virat Kohli
And though Bangladesh would try desperately till the end
from Kayes to Tamim Iqbal and Shakib everybody trying their best
nobody would be able to match Sehwag’s fireworks
his performance setting the tone for India's successful World Cup campaign, showing that they were in form and ready to take on any challenge.
Sehwag's fearless approach and ability to perform under pressure not only redeemed him but also inspired the Indian team to perform at their best, setting the stage for a memorable World Cup victory.
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