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Irfan Pathan revealed the mindset within the Indian cricket team after India’s 2007 Cricket World Cup campaign.
Irfan Pathan with the Indian cricket team at the 2007 World Cup (X)
India are one of the most successful teams in cricket, having won two 50-over World Cups, apart from finishing runners-up in World Cup finals. One of the darkest moments of India’s cricketing history, though, remains the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
India’s 2007 World Cup campaign in the West Indies was a roller-coaster of emotions. It began with a shocking defeat to Bangladesh. India were bowled out for just 191 in 49.3 overs, and the spirited Bangladesh side chased down the target with five wickets to spare in 48.3 overs. Under pressure, India bounced back strongly against Bermuda, posting a mammoth 413/5 in their 50 overs — their highest World Cup total at the time — and then skittling out the opposition for 156 to register a record 257-run victory. However, hopes of progressing to the next round were dashed when India, chasing Sri Lanka’s competitive 254/6, faltered yet again with the bat, collapsing to 185 in 43.3 overs and losing by 69 runs, a result that confirmed their early exit from the tournament.
What Did Irfan Pathan Say?
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who was part of that squad, has provided insight into the mindset within the team, which included star names like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, and MS Dhoni.
“We were in the hotel for two days. Aisa laga ke hum mar gaye (It felt as if we had died). Everybody had that feeling, and we were all very sad. Everyone was in shock,” Irfan was quoted as saying in an interview with The Lallantop.
The 2007 Cricket World Cup is regarded as a turning point in Indian cricket, which also saw a transition in leadership. India would go on to win multiple ICC titles in the next decade under the leadership of MS Dhoni, including the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 50-over World Cup.
Irfan, on the other hand, represented India in 120 ODIs, 29 Tests, and 24 T20Is over the course of his career.
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha… Read More
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