There is a common thread weaving two immortal days in Indian cricket — June 25, 1983 and April 2, 2011.
The image of a scintillating Krishnamachari Srikkanth going down on one knee and square-driving the menacing Andy Roberts to the fence on a green, seaming track at the Lord's is etched in memory. This was picture perfect.
And 28 years later when the explosive Mahendra Singh Dhoni wristed seamer Nuwan Kulasekara for a booming blow over long-on, India had reclaimed the Cup that matters on a luminous night of celebrations in Mumbai. Once again, the picture was perfect.
Srikkanth was among the principal protagonists of the summit clash in the Old Blighty when his innings of 38 emerged the top score of a low-scoring face-off in bowler friendly conditions. India floored the formidable West Indies.
Vital role
In the triumphant 2011 edition, Srikkanth's role has been vital as the chairman of the selection panel that includes another member of the victorious 1983 side, Yashpal Sharma. The wise men have made the right moves.
Talk to Srikkanth about him being the lucky charm and he laughs. “I thank the almighty. God has been kind.”
India's eventually spirit-lifting campaign in the World Cup was meticulously planned. As Srikkanth reveals, “the selection panel was in constant touch with the captain, the rest of the team-management and a few senior cricketers from about 20 months ago.”
Srikkanth says some crucial decisions about rotating a few players and resting some others were taken with the long-term objective of winning the World Cup.
Excellent rapport
“We had to factor in several things, including injury concerns. We wanted to test new faces in international cricket, build depth and bench strength. The selectors shared an excellent rapport with the captain and the team-management.”
During the tenure of the present selection panel, India has risen from an uncertain period to become the No. 1 team in Tests and is now the holder of the World ODI Cup. Dhoni and his men are at the acme.
The BCCI has acknowledged the role of the selectors. Each member of the panel will receive Rs. 25 lakh following India's remarkable triumph at the Wankhede Stadium.
Sharing his thoughts on the two World Cups, Srikkanth says, “In 1983 it was Kapil Dev who inspired the team. In 2011, it has been Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin really deserved to be a part of a World Cup-winning side.”
Srikkanth shares a special bond with Tendulkar. After all, Srikkanth was the first Indian captain that the maestro played under. India was touring Pakistan in 1989-90 and Tendulkar was only 16.
The former India captain is captivated by the Tendulkar-Virender Sehwag pairing in the ODIs.
“They might have been dismissed early in the final, but the starts given by Tendulkar and Sehwag were very important for India in the other games.”
Srikkanth believes India peaked at the right time.
“The fact that we met the stronger teams in the second half of the tournament helped. We settled down as a unit before taking on the bigger sides, coped well with the tremendous pressures of playing at home. And our fielding improved dramatically.”
The former India captain congratulated skipper Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir for their match-winning innings in the final.
“Dhoni led well. And both Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir batted tremendously under pressure against Sri Lanka. Dhoni came up with some amazing shots. And Gambhir, who has been consistent in the tournament, played the sheet-anchor role to perfection.”
Responsible Yuvraj
Srikkanth was also delighted with the sense of responsibility shown by Yuvraj Singh in the competition.
“We missed an all-rounder but Yuvraj filled the breach. He showed great maturity in batting and stayed till the end.
“Yuvraj was our finisher. And he has really improved as a left-arm spinner. Not just in the ODIs, but he could have a useful role to play as a bowler in Test cricket too.”
The lively Srikkanth was impressed by the craft and control of Zaheer Khan.
Impressive throughout
“He had been impressive throughout. He has bowled at different stages of the innings and with the old and the new ball. He gave thrust to the Indian attack.”
The selection panel chief stressed team-work.
“Harbhajan, Raina, Ashwin, Munaf, Kohli or Nehra, everyone contributed at one time or the other. I think Raina made a difference to the side in the knockout phase. This side is not dependent on one or two individuals. It has several performers.”
Srikkanth added, “Over the last two years, this Indian team has shown that when the chips are down, it can come back. This is a terrific quality and I had belief in the side at all times.”
He said the prayers of a nation of more than a billion people contributed immensely to the Indian success. “Energy can neither be created nor destroyed. It can only be transferred or channelled. The positive energy from the countless people powered the side.”
Keywords: 1983 World Cup triumph, 2011 World Cup triumph, Kapil Dev, M.S. Dhoni
No way even 1% I agree with Sreekanth. Agreed he scored runs and set records...But what did he do in final? If 18 is enough from the senior player then even a Ranji player will be hero if he given a chance and just by scoring 18-20 final match.I truly believe it's total effor of 3- Men - Gambhir,Dhoni and Series Boy Yuvraj. Stop praising the person just for his record and praise the people who have brought the cup to nation.
Srikant is right..It's only because of Sachin that guys like Dhoni, Yuvi were inspired to win the world cup..Sachin is pivot..Sachin is life of Indian cricket..Kapil is Human, Sachin is God.
Yes.... India has shown great character in this world, which is why they have managed to win the world cup. It was a complete team effort.... If we get good fast bowlers, we will just rock the world cricket.... despite not having intemidating fast bowlers, we have managed to perform... India just rocks.... India's domination in cricket has just begun.. I wish to see this dominiation for more years....
As per the title of this article,Sachin scored very less when compared to what he should have for his experience and seniority level. It was the whole team's efforts and sorry! but inspiration I think was solely MSDs contribution and the whole World has witnessed it.
Very well said. An absolute peach of a summary by Sreekanth in describing the contribution of the various individuals that made up this Indian Team! He didn't loose sight of the contributions of everyone in the team to make this Cup!
It is a fantastic final match. India has marched for victory with ease besides putting back tremendous pressure. They played as a Team and done their job well. I wish Team India Good Luck and expecting more wins in the upcoming games.
Kapil inspired more than the world cup winning team. He was responsible for paradigm shift in Indian cricket. His performance as a fast bowler inspired a generation of pace bowlers. It is because of the performance of pace bowlers that India is number one in test cricket and one day cricket. Currently the selectors can pick and choose pace bowlers. There was a time when gavaskar used to open bowling. Batting has always been India's strength. Not pace bowling before Kapil Dev. Kapil dev deserves bharatha ratna for cricket. The other sports person who has inspired generations is vishwanathan Anand. he should also get bharatha ratna.
If there is one game that unites all Indians, it is proved, beyond doubt, that it is only cricket..the entire series of ICC world cup, was a challenge to our confident team, consisting of youngsters, seniors and professional coach and support staff..Congrats to all concerned.. Dhoni has writtemn in gold what Kapil wrote 28 years ago, and both have brought glory to our country and the game too..What a thrilling entertainment - the quarter finals, semifinals and finally the pulsating last game , to entertain all of us.we are proud of Dhoni nd his winning team.
Well. It's nice to go on reading WC success story. As the Tamil saying goes 'virundum - marundum 3 nal (Feast as well as Medication - should not go beyond three days). The young ones who were soaking themselves in the joy of WC victory would do anything for the country. Now is the time capitalise the initiative, excitement and patriotic fervour (when did one see so many Tri colours) to :
i) produce even stronger team (may with addtional team) and to continue winning, like the yester year Aussies.
ii) Rub off the effect (financial as well as other aspects) other sports - hockey and other games where medal winning possibilities can be created and achieved.
Lest, we will be ticked off as emotional Indians who live on past laurels.
It is good to note that Srikkanth was involved in both Wolrd Cup Victory of India, to bat for India and select the good team for India. People should admire him as the credit goes to him also
India won the WC 2011. Agreed and appreciated. One cannot digest as to how the State Governments are pouring gifts of crores and crores of rupees! Not onloy that, houses and plots! Are these players are 'aam aadmis' or below the poverty line living under the sky? Are these rulers of the States giving out from their own pockets or from the exchequers? If from the exchequers, who authorised them? The players are earning more and more through cricket and advt commercials. When such is the case, what is the rationale in announcing freevbies and gifts? What the SC Learneds are doing? Why no PIL filed still? When it comes to cricket, everything is overdone. Why so much hype? Do such things happen anywhere in the world (esp. by the stupid politicians)?
Whatever people say and write, I cherish the 1983 WC finals more. One cannot forget (1) the catch Kapil took to dismiss Viv Richards; (2) The shot for a six played by Srikkanth and (3) Andy Roberts lying down on the ground and weeping. Finally, the behaviour of the players on the field and that of the spectators - all throughout from the world. How difficult it is to win a low scoring match, batting first; and, that too against the formidable West indies. When India was playing in the final with Srilanka, I was the hero in my residence as I was narrating the 1983 episode and all the boys and girls were listening with great interest. Old is gold.
Dont agree with Mr.Srikant. Inspiration was from Dhoni, Yuvaraj, Gambhir and Zaheer. How can it be Sachin? What was his contribution in each mega events so far in his full career? Has an average of 45 runs in ODI and has 99 centuries? Playing for his credit and not for country's win. No doubt sachin is good player and on top of the world. But could not accept as match winner or inspiring others in ensuring winning matches, but for pakistan match.
Why only celebrating Sachin and by doing this we are de-motivating the remaining 10/15 players in the team. Is this right approach? Why are we not celebrating Dhoni, Yuvi etc! Very unfortunate.
Sachin has been an inspirational player since the last 2 decade for India easily. If you remember Wills 1996, he was the only batsman to perform for India, giving his all and fighting for his country. For him winning the cup 15 years later, it shows how Sachin is a man with true character who never gives up.
Yes they all deserve to be complimented for being magnificent at the right time..1+ billion thanks and heart-felt appreciation! Cheering is not yet over! This is a historic moment and it's not going to be forgotten for a very very long time...!!!
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