(BCCI Credit)
When India arrived in England for the 1983 World Cup, the odds were stacked against them. They hadn’t secured a major global title before and faced formidable opponents like the West Indies and Australia. Few could have predicted that under Kapil Dev’s leadership, India would overcome the powerhouse West Indies to claim the World Cup.
The Indian team displayed immense determination and commitment throughout the tournament, starting strong from their first match. At that time, the West Indies were the dominant force in cricket, having won the World Cup in 1975 and 1979. Their lineup boasted formidable batsmen such as Gordon Greenidge, Viv Richards, and Clive Lloyd, complemented by fearsome fast bowlers. India found themselves in a challenging Group B alongside the West Indies, Australia, and Zimbabwe.
Kapil Dev and his team made waves with a notable 34-run victory over the West Indies in their opening match. India continued their momentum, securing three more wins in the group stage and finishing second in Group B with 16 points. In the first semi-final held in Manchester, they defeated England by six wickets to advance to the final.
India’s batting saw Krishnamachari Srikkanth leading the charge with 38 runs, supported by Mohinder Amarnath who contributed 26 runs. Sandeep Patil also played a crucial role with a quickfire 27 off 29 balls. Kapil Dev, Madan Lal, and Syed Kirmani added valuable runs in a collective effort, guiding India to a total of 183 all out in 54.4 overs.
Balwinder Sandhu struck early for India by dismissing West Indies opener Gordon Greenidge. Viv Richards, in determined form, held the innings together with a brisk 33 runs off 28 balls. India breathed easier when Madan Lal’s slower delivery trapped Richards, caught by Kapil Dev, providing a crucial breakthrough.
Despite late efforts from Jeff Dujon and Malcolm Marshall, the West Indies couldn’t alter the game’s trajectory. The defending champions were eventually bowled out for 140 runs in the 52nd over. Madan Lal and Mohinder Amarnath starred with three wickets each, while Balwinder Sandhu contributed with two key dismissals.
