Indian cricket is incredible: Graeme Smith

The 2011 Cricket World Cup has multiple memories for Team India and its fans, as the hosts of the tournament eventually went on to lift the hallowed silverware after a staggering wait of 28 years under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.

The Men in Blue had to brave various challenges out of which one of the toughest ones came all the way from South Africa. Despite a fiery start from Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar, the Men in Blue collapsed towards the fag end of their innings and despite a warring display with the ball, India failed to contain the Proteas as the latter emerged as the winners in the final over.

The South African skipper back then, Graeme Smith recounted memories of how Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar smashed them everywhere. He also talked about memories of them beating the Indian unit and what the victory meant for them.

As quoted by Sportskeeda, Graeme Smith stated, “Playing in front of the stands as a player over the years, some of the highlights, you sit back in your room at night and you can't believe it. I won't forget that 2011 game in the World Cup where our highlight was beating India at Nagpur and they went on to win the tournament.”

Talking about that crucial partnership between Sehwag and Sachin, Smith said, “I remember sitting in my room that night after Viru and Sachin were smashing us everywhere and you just could not get yourself to think, and the noise and the intensity that came from the Indian fans was something that we just never forget.”

Smith concluded by talking about how cricket has evolved in the nation, adding, “I think we know that India is one of the strongest markets in cricket in the world. A lot of it relates to the people, the fanfare around the game, the love for cricket, the love for superstars that play the game, and the love for IPL and the Indian cricket is incredible to have experienced as a person."