'I knew because...' - Former Sri Lankan legend talks about MS Dhoni's tactical move of promoting himself during 2011 ODI World Cup final

The apex cricket body has announced the schedule for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 on Tuesday, June 27 which will be hosted by India. The tournament will be kicked off with the previous edition’s finalists England and New Zealand clashing against each other on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Former legendary cricketers Muttiah Muralitharan and Virender Sehwag were present with the Indian Cricket Board chief Jai Shah and the cricket governing body’s CEO Geoff Allardice during the announcement at Mumbai's St Regis Hotel. During the event, Muralitharan talked about the 2011 World Cup final where the Indian team defeated Sri Lanka. Basically, he was asked about the former legendary India captain MS Dhono who promoted himself and came to bat before Yuvraj Singh.

“I knew because Yuvraj (Singh) was not very comfortable playing me, although he was the best player in World Cup at that time, middle-order number four position. I knew because I was bowling a lot against him (Dhoni) in the nets in Chennai while playing in the IPL. So Dhoni knew how to play me very well. So I thought he didn't want to give any wickets to me, because I was wicketless despite bowling well," Muralitharan was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

There was a lot of dew at that time: Muralitharan

The legendary leg-spinner further added and said that there was a lot of dew on the ground while Sri Lanka were defending the target. Due to this, the spinners were finding it hard to grip the ball and were unable to spin it. He said that when Gambhir was dismissed they knew that Dhoni will come to bat because he knows how to play against him as they played for Chennai Super Kings together.

"There was a lot of dew at that time and we couldn't spin the ball much. Gambhir was there at the other end, so when we got the wicket definitely knew he will come because he knows how to play me very well as I've played for Chennai (Super Kings),” he added.