The 1983 World Cup triumph is considered as the biggest turning point in the history of Indian cricket. It was the victory that put India on the map in the cricket world and laid the foundation stone for the dominance that India was to establish in cricket in the years to come. The Indian cricket team, led by Kapil Dev, made the best out of the series with limited resources. As this historic feat completes 40 years today, here is a look at five iconic moments from 1983 World Cup that changed the tide of the game in India’s favour.
Updated On: 2023-06-25 10:45 PM IST
Compiled by : Editor
Strong start
India went against two-time World Cup winners West Indies in their opening match of 1983 World Cup. India faced West Indies’ strong pace attack from Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall and Joel Garner. Yashpal Sharma scored a crucial 89 off 120 deliveries taking India’s total to 262 – a score that West Indies couldn’t chase. (Pic: Getty Images)
Star wicket-keeper
Wicket-keeper batter Syed Kirmani played a crucial role in India’s successful campaign in the series. He proved his skills behind the stumps throughout the tournament. In India’s second match against Zimbabwe, Kirmani took five catches. Zimbabwe were dismissed at 155 runs and India won their second consecutive match. (Pic: AFP)
Kapil Dev’s unbeaten 175
When India were on the brink of exiting the World Cup, captain Kapil Dev turned saviour. In a match against Zimbabwe, the Indian team were reduced to 17/5 when Kapil Dev walked in and played one of the most iconic innings in World Cup history. He remained unbeaten at 175 runs and India went to score 266 runs. Zimbabwe lost by 31 runs. (Pic: Getty Images)
Crucial semifinal match
India put up a collective effort in the semifinal match against England. Sunil Gavaskar and K Srikkanth scored 46 for the first wicket. Mohinder Amarnath scored a crucial 46 while Yashpal Sharma shined once again with 61 runs of 115 deliveries. India successfully completed the chase with only four wickets down. (Pic: Getty Images)
The iconic catch in the finale and other crucial performances
When the hope for India’s victory started dwindling with West Indies’ Vivian Richards on the crease, captain Kapil Dev took an iconic catch that sent him back. Other crucial performances included Kris Srikkanth’s 38 off 57 deliveries (top score of the final). Mohinder Amarnath, Madan Lal and Kapil Dev delivered notable performances in the defence. (Pic: Getty Images)
