It was 40 years ago on this day that India lifted its first-ever cricket World Cup, defeating the mighty West Indies by 43 runs in the final at Lord's. (More Cricket News)
Kapil Dev's inspired leadership and performances, such as the 175 not out against Zimbabwe when India were reeling at 17 for 5, and the running catch to dismiss Viv Richards in the final, made the impossible possible. Through the tournament, Kapil was ably supported first by Mohinder Amarnath, and then by the likes of Roger Binny, Yashpal Sharma and K Srikkanth.
The 1983 World Cup win was a pivotal moment for the confidence and economy of Indian cricket. The team became world beaters and the game, already popular, became a national obsession. Sponsorships flowed in. If India is the game's heart and headquarter today, it's to a large extent due to World Cup 1983.
Here's how former and current cricketers reacted to the memorable occasion -
40 years to India winning the World Cup for the first time! 25th June, 1983 was one of the defining moments that changed Indian cricket as well as my life forever. Paying tribute to all the members of that champion team. pic.twitter.com/ges194UAX1
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 25, 2023
It always seems impossible, until it's done! 🏆 This moment changed the game in India, it made us believe we could be the best 🙌🏽 🇮🇳 #1983WorldCup#OnThisDaypic.twitter.com/5KeKAbO8Cm
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 25, 2023
40 years ago today, #TeamIndia scripted a fairytale victory in the 1983 World Cup, defying all the odds!! A triumph that not only brought glory to our nation but also ignited a cricketing revolution! Forever grateful to the heroes who made it possible! 😊🙏🏾 #1983WorldCuppic.twitter.com/Spcdjk1WtZ
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) June 25, 2023
#OnThisDay we won our 1st ODI #WorldCup
— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) June 25, 2023
Congratulations again & again to entire team of #1983WorldCup#TeamIndia@BCCI@therealkapildev@RaviShastriOfcpic.twitter.com/u0d1sNDcOY
They did it first! 🏆
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 25, 2023
A team of legends who defied expectations with their courage and conviction.
Congratulations on #40Years to that great day and thank you for an unforgettable journey that paved the way for countless dreams. #1983WorldCup 🇮🇳 @BCCIpic.twitter.com/lbxh9qVUP7
#OnThisDay in 1983, India lifted the Cricket World Cup for the first time, etching the name in golden letters! A monumental triumph that ignited a cricketing revolution and forever changed the course of Indian cricket. #1983WorldCup@BCCIpic.twitter.com/Ru6wDkHWg8
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) June 25, 2023
