The Greatest Game Ever Played

Just a few days back, we celebrated (I hope you all did!) the 26th anniversary of India's historic and histrionic victory in the 1983 World Cup. We entered the tournament as underdogs and the English media predicted the Indian challenge to be over before the knock-out stages. Even after reaching the finals, India's chances were flinged against the might of the Windies. But destiny had already been written somewhere in the heaven. India overcame the predicament of their self-disbelief and Kapil's Devils went on to etch their names on the pages of history in golden ink.

Star cricket aired a special presentation "Remembering the Titans" as a journey down the memory lane, naming the 1983 World Cup final as the "Greatest Game Ever Played" in the history of Indian cricket. The thought of India winning the coveted World Cup, beating the formidable West Indies (the reigning champions of the earlier two editions of the event) and winning after defending a modest total of 183, were the cynosure of the celebrations on the night of 25 June, 1983. The picture of Kapil Dev holding the Prudential Cup at the Lord's balcony is ranked among the 'Most famous images in the history of Sports'.

26 years.. is a long time, but not long enough to fade the memories of the epochal moment that changed the course of Indian sporting history. Most people argue that even in the pre-World Cup era, India was a dominating force in world cricket. True! But did half-a-billion people go crazy when Kapil Dev uprooted the stumps? They do when Zaheer Khan does! Did frenzied fans used to hold up the placard saying "If cricket is religion, then Sunil Gavaskar is God!", whenever he played his signature cover-drive. They do when Sachin Tendulkar does. No offense to those great cricketers, because they where the ones who set the wheels in motion. But that match changed the perspective of the Indian people entirely. It not only gave joy to the people but more importantly, it gave them hope. It made them believe. It made cricket in India, what it is today!

Some memorable moments from India's sinuous journey to victory:

1. Kapil's knock of 175:
I've watched the recording of that innings, one of the finest in ODIs till-date, over and over again. Defeated by the Indians earlier in the league round, Zimbabwe was grabbing every possible opportunity to avenge their defeat. The Indian top-order collapsed like a row of bicycles and the team looked in deep trouble at 17/5 and then 77/8. But then came one of the greatest innings under pressure ever. Kapil Dev's 138-ball knock of 175* constituted of 16 fours and 6 sixes. He was very well complemented by Roger Binny and Saeed Kirmani's defiant innings who held their ground at one end. India put on a very good total of 266. India eventually won the match and reached the knock-out stage.

2. Greenidge's wicket by Sandhu:
Sandhu swung luck in India's favor as he rocked Gordon Greenidge's stumps with his typical banana-swing. India knew that Windies had a formidable line-up but there was still HOPE.

3. Kapil Dev's catch of Viv Richards:
Greenidge was one of the most feared batsman of those days. And so was his successor, the indomitable Viv Richards. He was well set with his speedy 33 and looked like he would take away the game from India. If not for divine providence, Richards would have hit that ball for six on any given day. "The ball was miscued by Richards and for the few seconds it remained in the air, nobody moved", says my dad who recalls the commentary that he and his friends were listening on the radio. Then came the huge roar of the Kapil Dev completed an astounding catch, grabbing the ball in a desperate effort, running backwards.

4. Amarnath's magic spell of 3-for-7:
India were looking to tighten the noose after the opposition was sent reeling at 76/6. But Paul Dujon, the West Indies wicket-keeper and Malcom Marshall held their nerves and Indians felt the game was slipping away. Then came the moment of magic. Dujon clean bowled by Amarnath on what he himself called a very poor and casual delivery. He dismissed Marshall in his next over and Kapil Dev was thinking of words to say in his victory speech. Amarnath also trapped Michael Holding in front of the wicket. Up went Dickie Bird's finger and the rest is history. Amarnath was named the 'Man of the Match' for the final.


26 years since the fateful day..... but still we feel elated just at the thought of it. Luck, destiny, effort.. whatever you call it, the truth is that 25th June will always hold a special heart of every Indian just because of one simple reason, our love for cricket. It's the one reason that brings all of us together when we keep all of our differences aside and cheer for our favorite players. When we wave the tricolor all around, when we forget that who is Hindu or who is Muslim, when we are all painted in one color.... BLUE!