It’s been 15 years since India ended its 28-year drought to win the ODI World Cup. That famous night in Mumbai, capped by captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's six at a jubilant Wankhede still lives fresh in the minds of Indian cricket fans. Fifteen years on, it remains the greatest Saturday in Indian sporting history.

April 2, 2011, remains the ultimate 'Where were you?' moment in Indian sporting history. Thousands flooded Mumbai's streets to celebrate what was then seen as the definitive moment in Indian cricket history. The deafening silence after legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar was caught behind early on in the innings was replaced by the explosion of firecrackers in the celebratory Mumbai air just three hours later. 

Since then, the Indian team has close to ODI World Cup glory but has not been able to take the final step. A semi-final defeat in Australia in 2015 was followed by yet another semi-final loss against New Zealand in 2019. On both occasions, the 'Men in Blue' were in a strong position to book a place in the final, but failed to capitalise on the situation.

However, the closest India came to World Cup glory was in 2023 in front of their home fans. After winning 10 games in a row, the Indian juggernaut was halted in the final by Australia. What looked like a certain World Cup triumph ended in tears as India missed an opportunity to replicate their 1983 and 2011 World Cup wins in Ahmedabad.

The wait for an ODI World Cup win continues, with the 'Men in Blue' set to get their next chance in South Africa in 2027 —16 years after the iconic night in Mumbai. 

India dominate white-ball cricket but continue to chase ODI World Cup

Since the 2011 triumph, Team India has been one of the best white-ball teams in the world. The ODI World Cup win in Mumbai was followed by the Champions Trophy triumph in 2013. Then, after years of 'so close yet so far' moments, Rohit Sharma led India to a win at the T20 World Cup in 2024, which was followed by another Champions Trophy win in 2025.

Suryakumar Yadav then led the Indian team to the T20 World Cup win in India in 2026, making it three ICC trophy wins in three years. However, the one that means the most is still missing from Team India's trophy cabinet since 2011.