A Triumph for the Ages: Saluting Kapil’s Devils 40 years of History

Prof. Vasisht MC
It was the summer of 1983 On June 25, 1983, India scripted history and stunned the world by rallying against odds and winning the prestigious trophy at the home of cricket, the Lord’s Cricket Ground. Under the captaincy of Kapil Dev, a team of underdogs shocked the world by winning the prestigious ICC Cricket Trophy. It was a momentous occasion for Indian cricket, and the victory is still celebrated and revered by cricket enthusiasts across the nation. As the 40th anniversary of the triumph approaches, the nation is gearing up to pay homage to the legendary team that put Indian cricket on the global map.
To commemorate the historic occasion, Prof. Vasisht, an Associate Professor at the Department of History in Malabar Christian College Calicut, a renowned cricket historian and a cricket poet from Kerala, has compiled a song and created a calendar. The objective behind the song and calendar is to promote the message of Cricket for National Integration. Prof. Vasisht’s evocative lyrics have been beautifully tuned and sung by his former student Mr. Sai Giridhar, adding a musical tribute to the celebration.
The 1983 World Cup victory was a watershed moment in Indian cricket history. The team had to overcome formidable odds to triumph in the tournament. In the lead-up to the World Cup, the Indian cricket team was not considered a serious contender for the title. The West Indies, led by the legendary Clive Lloyd, were the reigning champions and hot favorites to retain the crown. The other top teams, like England and Australia, were also expected to put up a strong fight.
However, the Indian team, which was written off as underdogs, played with great determination and grit. The team’s performance improved with every match, and they went on to beat the likes of Australia, Zimbabwe, and the West Indies on way to final. The victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and spirit, and it instilled a newfound sense of pride and confidence in Indian cricket.
The 1983 World Cup victory is still remembered for the remarkable performances of the players who formed the team. Kapil Dev’s leadership was exemplary, and his all-round performance in the final against the West Indies is still talked about in reverential tones. Mohinder Amarnath’s heroics in the crucial matches earned him the player of the tournament award. The likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sandeep Patil, and Roger Binny also played crucial roles in the team’s success.
The victory had a profound impact on Indian cricket. It inspired a new generation of players, and the Indian team went on to become a dominant force in world cricket in the following years. The triumph also marked a turning point in the way cricket was perceived in India. The sport was no longer seen as a game played by the elites, but as a unifying force that could bring the nation together.
As the nation prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the victory, there is a renewed sense of pride and admiration for the team that achieved the seemingly impossible. Prof. Vasisht’s tribute in the form of a song and calendar is a fitting tribute to the team that brought glory to Indian cricket. The song, which speaks about the unity and diversity of India, captures the essence of the victory and its impact on the nation. The calendar, which features images of the team and highlights of their journey, is a beautiful reminder of the team’s legacy.
The 1983 World Cup victory will always be remembered as a triumph for the ages. It was a moment that brought a nation together and inspired a generation of cricket enthusiasts. The team’s remarkable achievements will continue to be celebrated and honored, and their legacy will endure for generations to come.

Kapil’s Devils
In a sunny afternoon in June
Against the mighty caribbeans
Kapil’s eleven devils
Set out for a fight
like soliders with a will
they fought like heroes
dreaming of victory
turned all their odds
carved out a fairytale
In the pages of cricket legends
When the last wicket fall
fireworks flashed in the sky
Bangra steps float the Indian streets
Kapil’s Devils at Lords
drew a new face for Indian cricket
Kapil’s Devils at Lords
In the wink of an eye
became demi Gods