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‘Two reasons’: Why was MS Dhoni promoted over Yuvraj Singh? Sachin Tendulkar breaks silence

Sandy Verma | August 25, 2025 10:24 PM CST

NEW DELHI: Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar gave fans a special opportunity to connect with him on Monday by hosting an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit. The former India captain invited fans to pose questions on cricket and beyond, sparking lively exchanges and nostalgic memories.Among the questions, one fan referred to Virender Sehwag’s revelation that it was Tendulkar’s suggestion to promote MS Dhoni ahead of Yuvraj Singh in the 2011 World Cup final. Asked if this was true, Tendulkar confirmed and explained the strategy behind the move. “There were two reasons. The left-right batting combination would have upset the two off-spinners. Also, Muralitharan had played for CSK (from 2008–2010) and MS had played him for three seasons in the nets,” he said. The decision paid off handsomely as Dhoni went on to score a match-winning 91 not out, guiding India to a historic title win over Sri Lanka at a packed Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.Fans also quizzed Tendulkar on his favourite innings.

While acknowledging he had played several memorable knocks, the batting maestro singled out his unbeaten 103 against England in Chennai in 2008 as the most meaningful. Tendulkar’s innings helped India chase down 387 in the fourth innings and secure a six-wicket victory under the leadership of Kevin Pietersen. India went on to win the two-Test series 1-0.