India Behind The Lens (News Centre)

The 1983 World Cup was full of dramatic Cricket moments right from the start. Teams like India and Zimbabwe, who were not playing well in those times scored victories over the then masters West Indies and Australia respectively. England, Pakistan, India and tournament favorites West Indies qualified for the semifinals.213 proved to be unlucky number for England cricket team when they faced Indian cricket team in 1983 world cup semi-final. Superb bowling performance from Roger Binny, Mohinder Amarnath (46 runs), Yashpal Sharma (61) & Sandeep Patil (51*) ensured victory and entry into the finals to take on the mighty West Indian team led by Clive Lloyd who was ready for Hat Trick in World cup.

25 June 1983 Lord's Cricket Ground, England: India lost the toss and West Indies elected to ball first asking India to bat first against the team with world’s best bowling attack. Roberts, Marshall, Joel Garner and Michael Holding ripped through the Indian batting line-up and bundled up the entire team for only 183 runs in 54.4 overs. For most viewers, the final result was too easy to predict. West Indies cricket team, which was looking for a hat-trick of World Cup titles were the obvious favourites. West Indies restricted India for 183 runs, with only Kris Srikanth (38 runs) providing some scoring relief.

Indian bowlers exploited the weather and pitch conditions perfectly to bowl out the best batting lineup of the era. Recovering from the early loss of Gordon Greenidge, West Indies steadied their innings to 57/2 on the back of quick runs by Viv Richards and looked comfortable. Richards played aggressive shots recreating hopes for his team. But it was when he skied a pull shot on Madan Lal that Kapil caught at deep square leg after running for over 20 yards backwards, the match took a decisive turn. The catch is attributed as the turning point in the 1983 WC Final and is regarded as one of the finest in ODI Cricket. West Indies collapsed from 50/1 to 76/6 and finally were bowled out for 140 with Kapil picking up the wicket of Andy Roberts. Kapil dev came up with best balling spell [11(O) 4(M) 21(R) 1(W) 1.90]. The previously invincible West Indies had been vanquished and the UnderDogs India had emerged as the World Champion. Kapil Dev had upset Clive Lloyd's West Indies wish to win India's maiden World Cup. It was a presentation of best team work by Indians and hence, they became the first team other than WI to win World Cup.

What sets apart 1983 Indian Cricket team than 2011 MS Dhoni’s World Cup winning  team? Well, Dhoni is the Captain of India’s best ever Cricket team but Kapil Dev was the best ever Captain of Indian Cricket team.

Author: Hitesh Rangra | Follow the writer on twitter.com/hiteshrangra