There is always something extra special about Team India's 1983 World Cup victory. No matter how many times the memories of India's historic win in England is revisited there is always a new vignette that comes out despite being the most well-chronicled sporting win in the country. And regardless of the morose times at present courtesy the Covid-19 pandemic, Kapil's Devils got together to celebrate the 38th anniversary of that win and the unveiling of the cover of a special edition 1983 World Cup Opus.
The win, as is well-documented was a team effort with each match in the journey towards the final against West Indies throwing up a new hero. The team consisting of a nice blend of experience and youth combined well to beat the mighty West Indies in the unforgettable final at Lords. The members of the team, including manager Peter Mansingh, remain not just connected even till this date but their close bond and sense of brotherhood remain strong and visibly tangible till date.
The function to mark the anniversary and the announcement of the Opus, was held on Friday in a plush hotel, bang on the Delhi-Gurgaon border and every team member was present including the ones who could not travel—Krishnamachari Srikanth from Chennai, Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri from England.
Kapil Dev, needless to say held centre stage, revealing that the team was approached by the India CEO of the international publishing house specialising in luxury, long format books, the team decided to get him, Sunil Gavaskar and Kirti Azad to do the interactions on their behalf. "So much time and effort have gone into this book," said a happy Kapil Dev, equally if not more excited about being "happy to meet each other after so long!"
Kapil, who fondly calls Gavaskar Sunshine was excited when he saw the latter come on live via a video link to participate in the function. "The guidance you have given us all on and off the field has been invaluable," said Kapil.
Gavaskar revealed that being in London on the anniversary day, Ï will go near the spot where we won, take in the smell and sound of the place (Lord's Cricket Ground) to mark the day. "The legendary Indian opener said, "25th June will be the most unforgettable day of my life. You all (teammates) made it most memorable for me."
Watching them all fondly, was spin legend Bishan Singh Bedi, who recently had a major heart surgery. Bedi was one of the selectors of the 1983 team and the players had expressed concern over his health and had wanted to see him on this trip to Delhi. Kirti Azad persuaded Bedi to drop in and meet them all and it was no surprsie that the entire squad present was huddled with Bedi till he left.
Another veteran who came specially for the event was the 83-year-old manager of the 1983 squad Mansingh. Asked whether the memories were just as clear or somewhat faded he said, "It was such a momentous occasion, the memories will never fade. How can they?"
Ravi Shastri, head coach of the present Indian team too joined in the celebrations even as rest of his former teammates, welcomed him and commiserated him over Team India's loss in the World Test Championship Final. But clearly, the idea of remembering the 1983 win and interacting with his teammates couldn't keep the smiles away from Shastri's face. "I was the baby of the team. How much I learnt from you guys during the tournament. To sit in the dressing room with some great players...1983 win changed the face of cricket once and for all. I tell the current players about that tournament and how everyone contributed so that they know. The team was full of characters, I never felt like a junior. By the time we entered the finals we knew if we put West Indies under pressure we would win."
Gavaskar meanwhile revealed some "secrets". Like how Sandeep Patil was the naughtiest person in the team; how Balwinder Singh Sandhu would always come up with smart one liners to keep the mood light in the dressing room when things got tense and how wicket keeper Syed Kirmani's "shopping" stories are legendary.
Mohinder Amarnath got emotional saying, "those were not the days of mobile phones and international calls were expensive so calling back home wasn't easy. "But when we won, I thought I should take at least a stump with me back to remember the moment. However, with the crowds running in I just made a dash for the dressing. The first person I thought of once in, was my dad. He (Lala Amarnath) would talk so much about playing in England, Lord's, I would always call him before a big game. To win, when it sank in, it made me so happy, as his son."
The Opus will be a limited edition book and feature the untold stories and journeys of all 14 players and team manager and will be out in August. It will have a limited print run of just 1983 copies and will be available in 5 versions: Champions of Champion Edition, Champions Edition, Player’s Edition, Captain’s Edition and Classic Edition. It shall contain over 150,000 words penned by renowned cricket writers, over 2000 images from archives, personal collections of the team and their families. The 830 pages thick book will weigh over 30 kg.
