The date 25th June always marks an important occasion for an Indian cricket fan. On this date in 1932, the nation played its first ever international game, a Test against England. More significantly though, exactly 51 years later from that day, in 1983, India truly and magnanimously announced itself on the global arena, by winning the 1983 Prudential ICC World Cup at the Mecca of Cricket at Lord’s by beating West Indies.
That tale is even as of this moment, considered to be the biggest underdog story in the game’s ever-lasting legacy. A young, enthusiastic Indian side was up against the two-time World champions West Indies, and the result seemed to be a mere formality. A typical David vs Goliath battle was there in the making, which would be remembered by the generations to follow.
Defending just a paltry 183 against a heavyweight outfit like the West Indies, India stood absolutely no chance. The party had already begun in the Caribbean and all expectations of a fairy tale ending for India seemed futile. However, a once in a lifetime running catch from Kapil Dev to dismiss Viv Richards changed the complexion of the game and brought about a West Indies collapse, ultimately leading to an unlikely Indian win. What followed ahead was historical, as India never looked back from that moment.
Recalling that glorious evening of 1983, Kapil Dev even today admits that the self-belief with the Indian camp was the reason behind the victory.
“Everyone started saying that the West Indies were going to win it once again, for the third time,” said Dev. “But I think we had something that no-one knew about. There was something up our sleeve – it was the self-confidence and the self-belief.”
“I still remember that photograph at the Lord’s balcony – the whole team was there, we were dancing and shouting and laughing,” Dev recalled. “We had phenomenal support too. There were so many Indians there, across England and on the field after we won. The celebrations just never ended. Everyone was so proud.”