Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has finally broken the silence on the then-hot debate about MS Dhoni promoting himself ahead of all-rounder Yuvraj Singh in the ODI World Cup 211 final. While a lot of experts and critics have weighed in on the topic - some agreeing to Dhoni getting promoted , some saying Yuvraj should have batted ahead of him since he was in prime form in the showpiece event, scoring over 300 runs.
Tendulkar gave fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with him on Monday, August 25, by hosting an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit. The Mumbaikar asked fans to ask him any question related to cricket or beyond the game. Among several questions asked by fans, one was referred to Virender Sehwag's sensational revelation that it was Tendulkar's idea to promote Dhoni as ahead of Yuvraj Singh in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka.
Advertisement
Also Read: Duleep Trophy 2025 - Schedule, Dates, Timings, Venues - All You Need To Know
Asked if it was for real, the icon confirmed the same and went on to explain the logic behind the move.
"There were two reasons. The left-right batting combination would have upset the two off-spinners. Also, Murlitharan had played for CSK from 2008-2011, and MS had played him for three seasons in the nets," he said.
The decision proved to be a masterstroke, as the skipper went onto score an unbeaten 91, guiding India to their second 50-over World Cup win in 2011 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Also Read: Women's World Cup 2025: ICC announces revised schedule, Navi Mumbai replaces Bengaluru
Tendulkar picks his favorite innings of his storied career
One of the fans also asked Tendulkar to pick his favorite innings of his 24-year-long career. While acknowledging he has played many memorable and match-winning innings across the two formats, the icon picked out his unbeaten 103 against England in Chennai in 2008 as his most favorite innings of his storied career.
That innings came when India were required to chase a huge score of 387 in the fourth innings. While the odds were against the home team to do so on a turning fifth day Chennai pitch, Tendulkar showed grit, character, and determination to secure an epic for India. The chase still remains India's highest ever recorded in Test cricket. Also, that match was special for more than many reasons, as the game happened right after the terror attack in Mumbai - 26/11, wherein lot of innocent people lost their lives.
England Team, who returned home after the deadly attack, showed great character in returning to India, amid tight security to complete the tour. Kevin Pietersen lead the team for the Test series, where they eventfully lost 1-0 to hosts India.
Also Read: IPL 2026: Good news for RCB as AB de Villiers hints at return ahead of next season
