The 1983 World Cup triumph in England rightly occupies an exalted status in Indian cricket history. For one it was most unexpected and two victories over West Indies and one over England puts things in proper perspective. Also taken in a larger context its significance cannot be overemphasized as it generated tremendous interest in ODIs. One day cricket became the new ticket for excitement among the millions of Indian cricket followers and for the first time Test cricket was pushed to the background.
Less than two years later India cemented their status in the shorter version of the game by winning the World Championship of Cricket in Australia. In the eyes of the experts even though nothing could match the historic aspect associated with the 1983 triumph the WCC victory was a greater one. For one thing, the field was made up of only the seven Test-playing nations and so was tougher. Secondly in England India had played eight games and won six while losing two whereas in Australia the record was played five, won five – and all won with more than a degree of comfort. And if India did not get to play West Indies who were eliminated in the semifinals by Pakistan, they still got the better of heavyweights – England, Australia, New Zealand, and Pakistan (twice including the final).
A prominent member of that side Ravi Shastri is now the head coach of the current Indian team and he has raised an interesting point by saying that the side of 35 years ago could trouble even today’s team led by Virat Kohli. Shastri who was adjudged player of the tournament and was famously awarded an Audi car was of the view that the team of 1985 was a stronger team than the squad that won the World Cup. Shastri who was also a member of the World Cup side said that while 80 percent of the 1983 team was still around there were also youngsters like Sadanand Viswanath, Mohammad Azharuddin, and L Sivaramamakrishnan and this made the squad an ideal blend of youth and experience.
, Of course, a match-up between today’s team and the squad led by Sunil Gavaskar in Australia can never really take place but Shastri’s observation makes for an intriguing thought. India are today second to World champions England in the ICC rankings and have a number of world-class players. A glance at both the teams and I am sure opinion will be divided as to which team would come out on top. Personally I would back the WCC squad to get the better of the Indian team of today.