Saturday, June 21, 2008

1983 Cricket World Cup

25 years since the historic cricket world cup win for India, Indians still cherish that victory. Sunil Gavaskar and Vijay Mallya's company have organized some celebrations which the BCCI will join. (Mallya redeems himself here a little bit). But why is it still so special? Here are some of my reasons.

It is special because that was the first time India won that tournament.
It is special because in 25 years since, it has not yet been repeated by an Indian team.
It is special because it was a classic "underdog beats the favorites" tournament.
It is special because it was against a great, very strong and confident West Indies team.
It is special because no one expected it.
It is special because it was long before India started to shine in cricket or any other field.
It is special because of the magical innings in the tournament by Kapil Dev - 175. Every time since then, when India's batting has collapsed I hope for a "Kapil like" innings.
It is special because there is no television record of the 175 runs and therefore like reading a good book (ex. it is upto your imagination about how Atticus Finch might have been like).
It is special because it widened the gates for all future Indian cricketers.
It is special because it made the subcontinent stronger in the cricketing world.
It is special because it took cricket from a popular sport in India to feverish heights.
It is special because you will always remember Edmund Hillary regardless of how many people climb the Everest. Similarly Indians will remember this world cup winning team.
Edited To add
It is special because it was a team effort with different players contributing at different times.
It is special because the ramifications of the victory transcended cricket for India's youth.

It is also special for me, because I don't remember much about the actual tournament being too young, but do remember being woken up by my mother to say India has won and remember the feeling of excitement and joy in not just me but others near me as well.

Anything you would like to add?

4 comments:

Viswanathan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Viswanathan said...

It was special because of our very own Srikkanth's innings, his score was the margin with which India won.

straight point said...

the repercussions of that famous victory were not limited to cricket alone...in india...economically socially too it affected youth that they can stand to world and top it...

RS said...

ottayan: yes - can add Amarnath as well and most of the team played a part in some way throughout the tournament.

Straight point: agree, it transcended cricket.