Former India captain MS Dhoni orchestrated three ICC tournament victories for the Men in Blue during his tenure. While each of the three ICC titles - 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy - were significant, the 2011 50-over title was probably the most illustrious accolade as it came in front of the home fans after India defeated neighbours Sri Lanka in a pulsating final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Dhoni's leadership during the 50-over World Cup was immaculate but before the summit clash in Mumbai, the wicketkeeper-batter was struggling to score runs. Even though runs were hard to come by for Dhoni, he stuck to his superstition because it was helping the team win matches.
Virender Sehwag, who was part of India's ODI World Cup triumph in 2011, opened up on Dhoni's 'Khichdi' superstition throughout the competition.
"During the 2011 World Cup, wherever we went, people emphasized the significance of winning, especially since no host nation had won the tournament until then. Consequently, everyone had their own superstitions. Dhoni would eat Khichdi in Mane Kaka's room and say, 'It may not be helping me score runs, but at least we are winning," Sehwag told on Star Sports.
Meanwhile, the ICC on June 27 (Tuesday) released the complete schedule for the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup which will be played in India. The tournament will commence on October 5 and the final is scheduled to be played on November 19.
The Men in Blue will begin their campaign against heavyweights Australia on Sunday, October 8 in Chennai. Minnows Afghanistan will be their next assignment and Rohit's brigade will travel to Delhi to face the neighbours on October 11.
India will face their rivals Pakistan in Ahmedabad on Sunday, October 15; Bangladesh in Pune on Thursday, October 19; New Zealand in Dharamsala on Sunday, October 22, England in Lucknow on Sunday, October 29; the second qualifying team in Mumbai on Thursday, November 2; South Africa in Kolkata on Sunday, November 5; and the first qualifier in Bengaluru on Saturday, November 11, also the penultimate day of the league stage.
Among all the teams, India will be playing at nine of the ten venues during the league phase.
