BCCI President Roger Binny revealed the turning point that led India to clinch its historic victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup. Binny, who played a vital role in the Indian team’s triumph, reminisced about India’s journey to the tournament’s pinnacle, highlighting the critical moment against the West Indies in Manchester.
Until their encounter with the West Indies, India had struggled to showcase their full potential. However, their victory over the West Indies reignited the team’s self-belief, driving them towards their ultimate victory in the final against the same opposition.
Binny elaborated on the tactical knowledge imparted by India’s captain Kapil Dev, which turned Clive Lloyd’s discomfort into India’s favor. Kapil Dev noticed Lloyd’s discomfort during his batting and advised Binny not to bowl any short deliveries to him. Instead, he advised Binny to make Lloyd stretch for the ball, ultimately resulting in his dismissal.
We knew our job, and when Llyod was batting in the final, Kapil walked up to me and said, Look, he is hobbling around. Don’t bowl short to him; make him stretch for the ball. And I eventually got him out. So, those were the plans we had to make on the field, Binny said.
India went on to win the final against the West Indies by 43 runs, marking their first-ever victory in the Cricket World Cup. As India celebrates the 40th anniversary of their unforgettable triumph, the memories of that glorious campaign remain fresh in every player’s mind.
It is worth noting that the victory at the 1983 Cricket World Cup marked a significant moment in Indian cricket’s history, paving the way for future successes. India’s triumph demonstrated that the sport was open to all nations, regardless of size, and ushered in a new era of cricketing prowess for the country.
In conclusion, Binny’s revelation about the turning point of the tournament emphasizes the importance of self-belief and tactical awareness in sports. India’s victory in 1983 continues to inspire future generations of cricketers, highlighting the game’s ability to inspire and unite people.
