Indian Cricket: Remembering the Devils

1983 was a landmark year in Indian Cricketing history.

A rather inexperienced and weak India beat the West Indies to win the World Cup for the first time. Captained by the then-maverick Kapil Dev and having talented batsmen such as Sunil Gavaskar and Mohinder Amarnath in the line up, India were outsiders to win the World Cup.

The odds were 66/1 against India at the start of the tournament. They were virtual no-hopers and were counted out right from the beginning.

They started off brilliantly after they beat the West Indies in their opening fixture. It was a big shock to many as the Windies boasted an all-star lineup, with the likes of Viv Richards and Gordon Greenidge making up a formidable side.

Then there was the brilliance of Kapil Dev himself. In a game versus the Zimbabweans, India was reeling at 17 for 5 and staring at elimination. In steps the Haryana Hurricane and, after what was described by onlookers as one of the most brilliant innings of all time, India had reached a respectable target.

The legendary all-rounder had scored 175 runs, an innings which boasted six sixes and sixteen fours. Sadly, those innings were never caught on tape as the BBC were on strike that day. What a loss!

After that marvellous performance from the captain, India started playing well and beat England in the semi-finals, with contributions from Mohinder Amarnath, Yashpal Sharma and Sandeep Patil. The English were stunned, as people never expected a team like England to lose to rookies like India.

The final would rank as one of the biggest upsets of all time.

The West Indies had won two trophies in succession in 1975 and 1979 and were looking for a hat-trick. The Indians were absolute no hopers against cricket's juggernauts.

India scored a poor 183 with only Amarnath and Srikkanth reaching respectable scores. By the halftime break India was already looking like losers as 183 was a very easy target for the West Indies. Surely the likes of Greenidge, Haynes, Lloyd and Richards would chase it down.

The Indians started well as they dismissed the opening pair cheaply. Soon the middle order was in trouble as the Indian medium pacers struck. Viv Richards was looking dangerous, striking every ball for four. However, a brilliant catch by Kapil Dev sent him back too.

The experienced Lloyd was suffering from an injury and his movement was hampered. Madan Lal took his wicket and West Indies were in deep trouble.

As Andy Roberts and Gomes were dismissed, the writing was on the wall. West Indies were dismissed for 140 runs, 43 runs short of the target. India was the champion.

And from then till now, exactly 25 years have gone by.

That glorious day at Lord's remains India's only World Cup victory. Despite having players such as Tendulkar, Ganguly and Dravid, India never managed to repeat that famous victory.

Tthat victory also inspired a young generation of cricketers. It has become a holy grail of sorts for Indian cricket as none of the following teams have managed to win the trophy (Ganguly's men came close in 2003).

I salute all those players who brought us the glory in 1983.

Long live Kapil's Devils !