(Cricket news) It's been 39 years since Kapil Dev and company shocked the World by winning the 1983 World Cup. The World Cup win not only put India on the world cricket map but also inspired millions of kids to play cricket for the country. Cricket is a religion in India and the World Cup win in 1983 was the beginning of all that. The victory was a very big upset as India twice defeated West Indies who had won the last two World Cups. All these years later, the win in 1983 is still considered the biggest triumph in Indian cricket history. Majority of the players in that squad became icons of Indian cricket.

The final in itself was an incredible win for India. The Windies having won the toss elected to bowl first. India could only manage 183 runs in the first innings. Kris Srikkanth with his 57 ball 38 was the highest scorer in the Indian team. Andy Roberts picked up 3 wickets while Larry Gomes, Malcolm Marshall and Michael Holding got two scalps each. Joel Garner also chipped in with one wicket. The Indian innings ended in 54.3 overs itself. The West Indies with their incredible batting line-up was expected to comfortably chase down the target but the Indian bowlers had different plans.

West Indies were bowled out for inside 52 overs for 140 runs. Viv Richards was the only batter who showed some fight as he scored 33 off 28 balls. Mohinder Amarnath and Madan Lal picked up 3 wickets each while Balwinder Singh Sandhu got two scalps. Kapil Dev and Roger Binny also got a wicket each. Amarnath was awarded the man of the match for his performance. India lifted the World Cup trophy which made cricket what it is in the country today. India had to wait 28 years and some painful exits to win the next World Cup.

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