Cricket

I didn’t think we would go that far – Kapil Dev on 1983 World Cup win

 

Kapil Dev, India’s first World Cup winning captain, has admitted that he didn’t think that his team would go that far in the 1983 World Cup. In fact, India had won only one match in the first two World Cups of 1975 and 1979 and they were once again the underdogs of the tournament in 1983.

However, when India started to win in the league stages in the 1983 World Cup, the players gained confidence and didn’t look back. India stunned the favourites West Indies in their first match of the tournament by 34 runs and the players started to believe.

Subsequently, they won against Zimbabwe by 135 runs but lost by a big margin of 162 runs against Australia. India suffered another loss as West Indies defeated them by 66 runs.

It started to go downhill for the Indian team and they found themselves in the soup as they were tottering at 17-5 against Zimbabwe. Kapil Dev then played one of the best ODI knocks as he bludgeoned 175 runs as the team went on to win by 31 runs.

India then defeated Australia by 118 runs to make their way into the semi-final of the World Cup. The Kapil Dev-led side then defeated hosts England by six wickets in the semi-final. Subsequently, India stunned the favourites West Indies in the final and won by 43 runs to create history.

Dev played a crucial role in inspiring his teammates and the side went on to win their maiden World Cup.

Kapil Dev said while talking to Sportskeeda, “I didn’t believe we’d go that far. When you start winning and start understanding the team that’s when things change.”

“When we won a few matches, we felt among ourselves that we are capable of doing anything. I think it’s not my self-belief, when the team started believing and halfway through we started believing that we could win the World Cup,” Kapil Dev said.

Kapil Dev not only led the team with confidence but also delivered the goods with both bat and ball. The all-rounder scored 303 runs in eight matches at an impressive average of 60.60 and strike rate of 108.99.

Dev also scalped 12 wickets in eight matches at an average of 20.42. Thus, the former Indian captain had a great World Cup and wrote a new chapter in the history of Indian cricket.

Are you a big cricket fan? Don’t forget to check out our cricket predictions!

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024