‘A day that will never be forgotten’: Cricketers remember India’s 1983 WC win

India created history on June 25, 1983 when they lifted their first World Cup trophy after defeating two-time champions West Indies at the Lord’s. It was a day that many Indians will never forget.

India, who lost the toss in the final, were asked to bat first by Clive Lloyd. The Indians were all out for 183, and what seemed like an easy win for the mighty West Indies soon turned in favour of Kapil’s Devils as they dismissed the defending champions for 140, winning the final by 43 runs.

On the 37th anniversary of the historic day, current and ex-cricketers took to social media to recall India’s moment of triumph.

“37 years to a day that will never be forgotten,” World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev wrote as he posted on Instagram the iconic photograph of him holding the trophy.

Former India cricketer and current India head coach Ravi Shastri reminisced the time when the face of Indian cricket changed once and for all.

“#ThisDayThatYear On 25th June in 1983, we believed and we became - World Champions and changed the face of #Cricket in #India once and for all,” Shastri wrote on Twitter, tagging Kapil Dev.

Former cricketer Kris Srikkanth, who was part of the winning team, tweeted, “India won the world cup on this day 37 years ago! Feel privileged & blessed to have been a part of that incredible team under the leadership of @therealkapildev ! Still get goosebumps when I think about the historic moment!”

Senior off-spinner Harbhajan Singh thanked Kapil Dev for inspiring the team with their win. “37 years back..Thank you @therealkapildev and whole team for inspiring us,” he tweeted.

Former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also took to Twitter to observe the historic day. “A moment of national pride, our seniors lifted the 1983 Cricket World Cup on this day. Congratulations to every member of the 1983 team. You set the benchmark for us to achieve the same in 2011! Looking forward to India becoming a world champion in all sports,” he tweeted.

Suresh Raina wrote that the 1983 winning team inspired future generations to dream big. “One of the most important events in the History of Indian Cricket This win inspired India's future generations to dream big! 37 years to this glory of #WorldCup1983 @therealkapildev,” he tweeted.