June 25, 1983, the date not only changed the development of cricket in India but finally the fortune of our nation. It was a reinstatement of the reliance for millions of countrymen that they could now own and boast about success at the global stage. On this day, 37 years back, India created history by thrashing West Indies at Lord’s to lift the World Cup.
The 1983 World Cup-winning team is the most iconic squad of cricketers from India. Former India batsman Kris Srikkanth stated they never thought they had any margin of lifting the 1983 World Cup final after being all out for just 183 but a pep-talk from captain Kapil Dev encouraged the side to victory.
India had defeated the West Indies by 43 runs in the 1983 World Cup final at Lord's in England. After being bundled at 183, India still managed to clinch the title by restricting mighty West Indies at 140.
On the 37th anniversary of that memorable feat, Srikkanth remembered memories from that captivating match.
Srikkanth on 'Star Sports 1 Tamil show Winning the Cup – 1983 said, "With the batting line-up that West Indian had and looking at 183, we thought we had no scope at all.”
He added, "But Kapil Dev said one thing and he didn't say we can win but he said - look guys we have got out for 183 and we should give resistance and not give away the match so easily.”
Srikkanth who was the top scorer for India (38 runs) said the win was a big accomplishment and proved to be a turning point for Indian cricket.
He said, "It was the turning point for Indian cricket and for Indians. At a time when cricket was dominated by West Indies, Australia, New Zealand and others, a total underdog Indians became the world champions.”
"On the eve of the finals there were all the top officials from the board, the joint secretary and everyone and there was a small meeting. They said don't worry about the finals tomorrow, you've come so far that's itself fantastic. And whether tomorrow you win the match or not, they announced a 25,000 rupees bonus for all of us," Srikkanth said.
"We did not feel that much pressure. Because favourites were West Indies, they were 1975 & 1979 champions, dominating world cricket, so we thought it was a big deal making it to the finals itself," he concluded.
