XtraTime Web Desk: June 18, 1983 will forever remain in the memories of Indian cricket fans. It was on this day Kapil Dev played the innings (175*) of his life against Zimbabwe at Turnbridge Wells.
India were in tatters on 17/5 after Indian captain Kapil Dev decided to bat first on a cold chilly morning. Half of the side including Gavaskar, Srikkanth, Amnarnath, Patil and Yashpal back in the hut. Zimbabwean bowlers exploited the helpful conditions to derail India’s hopes of winning the World Cup. It required brilliance from someone to give the fight back to the opposition and that inspiration came from none other than Kapil Dev.
Kapil started his innings on a cautious note. In fact he did not try to hit any lofted shots until he reached 80. He was involved in a rearguard act as he stitched important partnerships with Roger Binny (22) and Madan Lal (17) for the sixth and eight wickets worth 60 and 62 runs respectively to put India back on track. Together with Syed Kirmani (24), he added 122 runs for the ninth wicket to take the total to 266/8 in 60 overs. In his 138 ball knock Kapil plundered the Zimbabwe bowlers for 16 boundaries and 6 massive sixes.
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Inspired by the innings from Kapil, India went on to bundle out Zimbabwe for 235, scripting a memorable win by 31 runs. Madan Lal (3/42) and Roger Binny (2/45) were the successful bowlers for India. The win also kept India alive in the tournament. Kapil’s Devils went on to lift the Prudential World Cup defeating Clive Lloyd’s West Indies in the final at Lords.
Much to the disappointment of the Indian fans Kapil’s innings was not telecast live as BBC was on strike that day.
According to Kapil Dev, “The Zimbabwe match was one match where, the entire team started feeling, we can beat top four teams, and on given day, we can beat anybody,”
He added, “That inning gave the team reassurance that we have the ability that we can win under any circumstances, and we can bounce back from any situation.”
True, the innings by Kapil Dev changed the direction of Indian cricket forever.