In 1983, things were simpler

HYDERABAD: Twenty-four years ago, Kapil Dev's team for the 1983 World Cup left almost unnoticed with only one BCCI representative, Prof. Chandgadkar, present to see off the team. Worse, Air-India forced the BCCI to pay for the extra baggage for the trip to London.Apparently, no one ever thought that the team would come back after stunning two-time World champion, the West Indies, in the final.And, there was only one official with the team, a genuine all-rounder for the innumerable roles he had to play — P.R. Man Singh. In an exclusive chat with The Hindu, Man Singh provides a rare insight into those magnificent days when the Indians had an enchanting summer.Man Singh pointed out that the media focus on the World Cup then was nothing compared to the current edition. "Neither the corporates nor the sponsors lined up for the cricketers then.
Relaxed mood
"Consequently, Kapil's team enjoyed, literally, the whole World Cup ambience in a very relaxed mood. We were in a situation where we had nothing to lose but everything to gain," he said.
Significantly, the 1983 victorious squad did not have either a coach or a doctor or a physiotherapist. Only Man Singh was there to take care of everything."During the first team meeting before the World Cup, we impressed upon the players to just give their best and enjoy the game." Then before the first league match against West Indies, the message was: "When we can beat them in Berbice (in the preceding one-day series) why not here. Thus began the drilling of self-belief into the players," recalled Man Singh.But who monitored the `nets' and rectified the flaws if any? "Essentially, Jimmy (Mohinder Amarnath) did the job of taking care of the complete training programme with Kapil and Sunil (Gavaskar) deciding what should be the batting order and the bowling line-up. In fact, there was very little time spent in the nets because of inclement weather and tight schedule," he says.
Suitable conditions
"Fortunately, the wickets and the conditions suited the Indians more than most of the contenders there. That is the reason why Mohinder, Madan and Roger Binny were so successful.
"And our initial strategy was to see that Kirti Azad and Mohinder shared the fifth bowler's slot for the 12 overs (then 60 overs each contests). Soon, we were pleased that both of them bowled 12 overs each. Sometimes even Kapil could not complete his quota," said Man Singh.
More options
Interestingly, the 1983 World Cup manager believes that the bits-and pieces all-rounders of that Indian team provided more options. "It was a collective effort. The camaraderie and spirit of togetherness grew by leaps and bounds as the event progressed. And everyone was acknowledging the team effort instead of focusing on individual feats. The fact that Kapil never ever discussed his epic knock of 175 not out against Zimbabwe spoke of his modesty," he added.
When did the feeling begin that we were in with a chance to win the World Cup? "Obviously after reaching the semifinals. For we then realised it was a question of two wins. Even when we were bowled out for 183 in the final, the boys were never dispirited and we attacked. Can you imagine now, that right through a one-day innings, a slip fielder was positioned during the 1983 final," said Man Singh.The members of the 1983 World Cup squad were paid Rs. 12,500 each as tour money and shared the winner's purse of £30,000. After all the celebrations of being World Cup champion, each of them including Man Singh ended up with Rs. 2.5 lakhs each.

courtesy:Hindu