Indians everywhere commemorated the 40th anniversary of the nation’s first cricket World Cup triumph. The stunning upset victory cemented the special place in the country’s hearts for cricket and led to it becoming India’s most popular sport.
Kapil Dev's image of holding the World Cup trophy at Lord's is seared into the memories of every Indian cricket fan. The triumph has inspired generations of Indians to take up the game of cricket seriously.
Forty years ago, the Kapil Dev-led Indian cricket team defied the odds and defeated two-time winners West Indies in the final at Lord's Cricket Ground.
India was not considered a favourite to win the tournament, but they played with great skill and determination. They defeated some of the best teams in the world, including the West Indies, who were the defending champions. The victory was a source of great pride for India, and it helped to boost the popularity of cricket in the country.
Members of the 1983 World Cup-winning team came together in a private get-together in Mumbai to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their historic victory yesterday.
Barring Ravi Shastri, who is currently in the UK, all members of the team and the manager, P R Man Singh were in attendance. The 1983 team also invited Chandu Borde and Bishan Singh Bedi, the two surviving selectors from that period.
Today, cricket is one of the most popular sports in India, and the 1983 World Cup victory is still remembered as one of the greatest sporting achievements in the country's history. The victory was also a watershed moment for Indian cricket. It showed the world that India was a force to be reckoned with, and it helped to change the way that the country was perceived on the global stage.