Who was the best Indian all-rounder in the inaugural 1975 World Cup? Well, almost 40 years later on, this question might not evoke a correct reply. Well, at 73 now, Syed Abid Ali has every reason to look back at that edition with a sense of pride - hitting a fighting 70 and then claiming two for 35 against New Zealand in the World Cup match in England!
So, when this gutsy cricketer of yesteryears, who has a memorable distinction of taking six for 55 on Test debut at Brisbane in 1967-68 series, looks back at his 1975 World Cup experience he has every reason to sport a big smile during an exclusive chat with ‘ The Hindu ’.
“No doubt it was a very special and unforgettable feeling to play for India in the inaugural World Cup. But, quite honestly, we were not just there for this brand of cricket. First and foremost, the atmosphere was always not the perfect for an event of such magnitude. There were mixed feelings. We did not have the desired team spirit. Frankly, this concept of team work was alien to us then,” he says in a frank conversation about the 1975 Cup.
Referring to the infamous Sunil Gavaskar’s knock of 36 not out ( 174 balls, 1 x 4 ) in the 60 overs game against England at Lord’s, an agitated Abid Ali reminds that no one in the Indian dressing room liked the way he batted on that day. “Even now I am clueless how he could bat in such a manner,” he remarked.
Going further, Abid recalls his conversation with Gavaskar after the innings when the former apparently asked how the latter could bat in such a manner. “See, I am not a stroke-maker,” was Gavaskar’s reply. To his Abid’s counter was: “You mean I should believe that all those 774 runs you scored against West Indies in the debut Test series in 1971 or all the centuries later on by just blocking and taking singles.” A poser which did not see an extension of the dialogue. “That innings was a simple example of how we played in that Cup,” he added.
What do you remember the most about that World Cup?
“The unforgettable Clive Lloyd’s century in the final against Australia, Viv Richards’s run-outs, Alvin Kallicharan’s brilliant batting. I don’t think we can see a better West Indian side than that one which was so beautifully handled by Lloyd as captain,” explains Abid Ali.
What is that you remember of the subsequent World Cups?
“I am fortunate to be there at Lord’s watching Kapil Dev’s team win the Cup. What a feeling and what an electrifying atmosphere it was that evening in London. It was as if the whole of India descended there as every non-resident Indian was celebrating that epoch making win,” the articulate Hyderabadi recalled. “Kapil’s sensational innings against Zimbabwe (175 not out) was an out of the world effort. And in the final, I think the catch by Kapil to send back the great Viv was the game changer. After that, it was all over even for such a formidable Windies line-up in the face of accurate bowling by Madan Lal, Roger Binny and Mohinder Amarnath,” he explains.
How as the Cup generally for the players?
“It was more bowler-friendly with no field restrictions. Unlike now when anyone can be hit all over the ground.
How do you rate India’s chances in 2015 World Cup?
“Frankly, the bowling and fielding leave a lot to be desired. I think India depends heavily on its batting with the likes of Kohli, Rohit, Rahane, Raina expected to come good in every game. I don’t think this Indian bowling attack is capable of producing great results in such a big event. But the big plus is they have an inspirational leader in MS Dhoni,” Abid concluded.
