Forty-two years ago, on this very day, Indian cricket underwent a transformation that changed its destiny forever. At the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, Kapil Dev’s spirited team stunned the all-powerful West Indies to lift the ICC ODI World Cup — a moment few had predicted, but none have forgotten.
Coming off disappointing campaigns in 1975 and 1979, India wasn’t even considered a contender. But a series of inspired performances led them to the final, where they faced a West Indies side aiming for a third consecutive title.
Batting first, India posted just 183 — a score that looked below par, especially against a team boasting legends like Viv Richards and Clive Lloyd. But the Indian bowlers, backed by electric fielding and nerves of steel, turned the game around. West Indies were bowled out for 140, handing India a historic 43-run win.
Mohinder Amarnath was named Player of the Match for his crucial all-round display — 26 runs with the bat and three key wickets. But it was the collective spirit and belief of the team that truly defined the win.
The image of Kapil Dev lifting the trophy on the Lord’s balcony became a defining visual for a new era of Indian cricket. That single day in 1983 lit the spark that would eventually turn cricket into a national obsession.
India would go on to win the World Cup again in 2011 under MS Dhoni and finish runners-up in 2023 under Rohit Sharma. But June 25, 1983, remains the day Indian cricket announced itself to the world.
Brief scores:
India 183 in 54.4 overs (Kris Srikkanth 38, Sandeep Patil 27, Andy Roberts 3/32)
beat West Indies 140 in 52 overs (Viv Richards 33, Jeff Dujon 25, Mohinder Amarnath 3/12)
by 43 runs.
