It’s been 42 years since Indian cricket changed forever, and Kapil Dev still celebrates it like it was yesterday. On the anniversary of India’s historic 1983 World Cup win, the former skipper welcomed some of his teammates home for a quiet, joyful celebration.Bottles of champagne were bubbled, smiles were exchanged, and memories of that unforgettable summer’s evening at Lord’s came flooding back.

Proud looking Kapil was seen pouring some champagne into glasses and behind on the table was the original World Cup trophy shining brightly. The room itself was a story bats from his playing days, framed photos of the 1983 team and that energy only true champions possess. It wasn’t loud, it wasn’t flashy but it was full of heart.

That day June 25, 1983 is etched into the soul of Indian cricket. No one expected India to win. They were underdogs in every sense of the word. But Kapil’s men believed when no one else did. Beating the mighty West Indies in the final wasn't just a win it was a revolution. And 42 years later, that spark still lives on in every cheer, every memory, every toast.

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— Rameshwar Singh (@RSingh6969a) June 26, 2025

 June 25, 1983: The Day Indian Cricket Changed Forever — When Underdogs Became Legends
 

The journey to the final wasn’t easy. India kicked things off with a surprising win against West Indies, only to face setbacks against Australia and West Indies again in the group stage. But they bounced back strong — beating Zimbabwe and Australia to storm into the semis. In the knockout against England, they played fearless cricket and booked their spot in the final.

In the title clash at Lord’s, defending just 183, India pulled off the impossible. They bowled out the West Indies for 140. That win that moment didn’t just bring home a trophy. It made India believe. And as Kapil Dev raised a glass 42 years later, surrounded by the very men who made it happen, it was clear: that victory still means everything.

June 25, 1983—a date when the Asian Giant was awake and the King was dethroned. It was then the biggest upset in cricket when Michael Holding departed and the mighty West Indies halted for 140 against India's 183—India won the World Cup—1983 World Cup. 

Before the final, it was like a repeat telecast of the first two World Cups when the West Indies proved their dominance and won the highest trophy of cricket back-to-back. Under Clive Lloyd's leadership, the Caribbeans, like before, cruised into the final match of '83. When India somehow managed the other spot in the final, on pen and paper the match was like between David and Goliath. 

Batting first, team India managed to get only 183 on the scoreboard in 60 overs. The fierce bowling attack of the West Indies, with Andy Roberts, Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, and Joel Garner, simply demolished the Indian batting line-up. The house-full Lord's Cricket Ground was ready to witness another dominating performance by the West Indies in the title-decider contest.

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Kapil Dev's catch and the wicket of Sir Vivian Richards 

Sir Viv Richards, considered as the most dangerous and hard-hitting batsman, came to bat in the crease at number three and got off to a perfect ignition. He was toying with India's medium-pace bowling lineup until Madan Lal delivered a slower one when West Indies was on 57. Richards mistimed the shot, and Captain Kapil Dev, on mid-on, took an iconic catch under pressure, keeping his head cool. With 7 boundaries and a 117.85 strike rate, Viv departed for 33. 

The defending champion still had a fair amount of chances to win the match, and by then, India got the extra self-belief they needed to pull out the greatest upset that no one saw coming. Clive Lloyd, Larry Gomes, Faoud Bacchus, Jeff Dujon... all came and went. The tiny target of 183 is registered in the history book. Mohinder Amarnath was selected for the man of the match award for his 3-wicket spell and 26 runs with the bat. 

Team India grabbed a famous triumph against West Indies in the second ODI in Trinidad on Sunday, 24th of July, to seal the three-match ODI series 2-0. India’s man of the hour, Axar Patel, broke MS Dhoni’s 17-extended standing record in ODIs during his game dominating aggressiveness.

The hosts ruled the match and were looking set en route to a series-evening out win until Axar Patel came into bat for India in the 39th over of the second innings, with the visitors battling at 205/5. The southpaw was raising a ruckus around town freshly at every turn and seemed like batting on an alternate track from all the other Indian batters.

The all-rounder maintained his calm in a record-breaking pursuit as wickets continued to tumble at the opposite end. The southpaw registered his maiden ODI 50 years off only 27 deliveries and afterward completed the coordinate in style with a humongous six down the ground. 

His game dominating six was not just suggestive of the times of MS Dhoni yet in addition broke the previous Indian captain’s record of hitting most sixes in an effective run chase for India, batting at no.7 or lower.

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Strikingly, Dhoni had accomplished the feat in 2005 when he crushed three sixes against Zimbabwe and previous Indian dangerous hitter Yusuf Pathan additionally paired his count two times in 2011. However, Axar’s innings of 64 off 35 deliveries included five greatest, breaking the Indian legend’s kid record.

“I would need to keep performing like this for my team”: Axar Patel

The left-arm spinner was India’s most prudent bowler in the first innings and got back with estimable figures of 40/1 in his nine overs, yet it was his ballistic show with the bat that procured him the Player of the Match grant as he showed nerves of steel in a serious run pursuit. He expressed his longing to keep performing much the same way for the group in the future during the post-match conference.

“I think this is a special one. It came at a crucial time and also helped the team to win the series. We have done the same in the IPL. We just needed to remain calm and keep the intensity up. I was playing an ODI after close to 5 years. I would like to continue performing like this for my team,”

said Axar

IND vs WI, 2nd ODI: India beat West Indies by two wickets in the second ODI to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Selecting to bat, Shai Hope crushed a magnificent century, while Nicholas Pooran hit half-century to control West Indies to 311 for six on Sunday. Opening the batting, Hope stayed unbeaten on 115 off 135 balls, while Pooran scored 74 off 77 balls.

Axar Patel’s 64 not out off 35 balls assisted India with chasing down a 312-run lead against West Indies in the second ODI of the three-match series at Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad on Sunday.

With it, India acquired an unassailable 2-0 benefit in the series. Prior, Shai Hope’s 100 (115 runs off 135 balls) assisted West Indies with setting a 312-run target for India. Nicholas Pooran’s 74 off 77 also became a critical part in taking Windies to the total of more than 300 after the host captain won the toss and opted to bat first against India in the game.

Shardul Thakur was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 54. Eminently, India had edged past West Indies by three runs in the primary ODI at a similar scene on Friday.

For India, Shardul Thakur picked most wickets, getting back with figures of three for 54 of every 7 overs. Pursuing, Shreyas Iyer (63) and Sanju Samson (54) struck fine half-centuries, yet it was Axar Patel’s unbeaten 35-ball 64 that eventually had the effect as India hurried home with two balls to spare.

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Having dominated the first match by three runs, another triumph gave India a progressive ODI series win in the Caribbean.

Be it Dhawan and comeback man Shubman Gill’s forceful opening stand, or Mohammad Siraj’s development as the head of the bowling assault without even a trace of the accomplished Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, India ticked every one of the checkboxes on Friday to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

Dhawan pulled off an unexpected without a trace of the injured Ravindra Jadeja, making part time spinner Deepak Hooda bowl in front of expert Yuzvendra Chahal inside the initial 20 overs.

Chahar returned wicket-less yet he was the most efficient (4.40) bowler of the day for the Indians, wrapping up with 0/22 from his five overs and driving the West Indies to get up to speed.

Siraj stood apart as the speed lead excused Nicholas Pooraj in the middle overs and returned at the demise with his perfect yorkers.

Having dominated the first match by three runs, another triumph gave India a progressive ODI series win in the Caribbean.

KL Rahul, senior India opener, has tested positive for COVID-19. BCCI president Sourav Ganguly informed about Rahul after the Board’s Apex Council meeting in Mumbai on Thursday. Rahul went through a medical procedure recently and had continued his preparation at the NCA in Bengaluru.

He was named in the T20I crew for the West Indies tour and expected to require a wellness in several days. With his COVID test returning positive, it is not yet clear whether he will make a trip toward the West Indies. The T20I series begins on July 29 in Tadouba.

Rahul on Thursday itself had tended to the candidates, who went to Level-3 coach certification course at National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Ganguly likewise informed that a member of the Commonwealth Games-bound India Women’s team was additionally down with COVID-19. He, however, didn’t unveil the name of the player.

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With the most recent turn of events, Rahul’s scorching run doesn’t seem to end. He is supposed to lead India in the T20I series at home against South Africa in June, however was precluded because of a groin injury. He then went through a fruitful medical procedure for sports hernia in Germany and is currently making a course for recuperation.

Rahul has throughout the years had intermittent lower stomach related health issues, including groin strains and hamstring injuries.

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks but the surgery was successful. I’m healing and recovering well. My road to recovery has begun. Thank you for your messages and prayers. See you soon,”

Rahul had tweeted earlier

Rahul was selected for the upcoming five-match T20I series against West Indies, beginning on July 29. HOwever, he was supposed to make a trip to the Caribbean islands provided that he cleared the wellness tests. Rahul has been one of India’s productive scorers in the shortest formats and is supposed to play a vital role in the forthcoming T20 World Cup in Australia. The 30-year-old has played 42 Tests, 42 ODIs and 56 T20Is for India for the last eight years.

Premier India batsman KL Rahul, who is recuperating from a crotch injury at the National Cricket Academy at Bangalore posted a video of his extensive training as he intends to get back to the national side for the five-match T20I series against West Indies in August.

Rahul who was named the captain of the Indian cricket crew for the South Africa series was precluded because of a crotch injury and later needed to go through crotch medical procedure in Germany, should demonstrate his wellness in front of the WI series. Rahul on Wednesday posted a video where he should be visible preparing and going to the gym.

Rahul has been named in the Indian squad for the West Indies T20Is which starts on July 29. In any case, his accessibility is dependent upon fitness.

As indicated by the reports by Insidesports, KL Rahul alongside Kuldeep Yadav are set to join the Indian team after clearing the wellness test.

“Both KL and Kuldeep will have a fitness test this week. Their recovery is going really well and we hope they return to action. Kuldeep is already 80% match fit. For KL, it is a work in progress since he recently had a surgery. He has begun practice and depending on the level of fitness, we will take a call,”

a member of the selection committee was quoted as saying by InsideSport

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India’s squad for 5 T20Is versus West Indies

Rohit Sharma (Captain), Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul*, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer, Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav*, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh.

Shikhar Dhawan was named India captain on Wednesday for the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, starting on July 22 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Notably, regular captain Rohit Sharma, and senior players Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant have been rested for the series.

Kohli, who was known for his ranking batting performances has failed to regain his form. Subsequent to passing up the home series against South Africa, the previous captain could figure out how to score just 31 runs in the fifth Test against England at Edgbaston.

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Contrastively, Bumrah led Team India at the Edgbaston and dazzled everybody with his speed and blazing knocks, where he slammed 35 runs in a single over by Stuart Broad and made a world record.

It is worth noting that the 36-year-old Dhawan previously led India in three ODIs last year on the tour to Sri Lanka when other senior players were engaged with the Test side in England. As in that series, he’ll have Ruturaj Gaikwad as a potential opening partner with India likewise including Shubman Gill into the ODI side for the first time since the tour of Australia in December 2020.

The senior selection committee of the BCCI named a 16-member Indian team for the ODIs.

• Sanju Samson is likewise back after a year, having played his lone ODI so far in Sri Lanka last July. Samson and Ishan Kishan are the two wicketkeepers on the squad.

• Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm pacer who has been included in a full-strength team for the England ODIs later this month, has been held alongside Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur.

• Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel alongside spin bowling all-rounder Deepak Hooda, are the spinners in the squad.

Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur slammed twin centuries as India produced a splendid batting display to notch up a comprehensive 155-run win over West Indies and bring their campaign back on track at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in Hamilton, New Zealand, today. While Mandhana smashed her fifth ODI hundred, a sensational 123 off 119 balls studded with 13 fours and two sixes, Kaur had 10 hits to the fence and two maximums in her 107-ball 109, which was her fourth ton and the first since hitting 171 not out against Australia in the 2017 World Cup.

The duo forged a 184-run stand for the fourth wicket, India’s highest partnership for any wicket at the women’s World Cup, to help the team post its highest total in the history of the showpiece event, a challenging 317 for eight after skipper Mithali Raj won the toss and elected to bat. The 2017 edition finalists then returned to dismiss West Indies for 162 in 40.3 overs to keep themselves in contention for the knockout stage. By virtue of this win, India now leads the eight-team standings with four points from three games, ahead of Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa because of a better net run rate.

Chasing the stiff total, West Indies were off to a flier with openers Deandra Dottin (62) and Hayley Matthews (43) putting up 100 runs in 12.1 overs but the spin-pace duo of Sneh Rana (3/22) and Meghna Singh (2/27) put the breaks by rocking the top-order, as the Caribbeans slumped to 114 for four in 19th over. Pooja Vastrakar (1/21) and Rajeshwari Gayakwad (1/24) then got into the act, removing Shemaine Campbelle (11) and Chinelle Henry (7) as the Windies slumped to 134 for six.

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India beats West Indies with easy win showing women power

Gayakwad and Rana then combined to run-out Aaliyah Alleyne (4), while Jhulan Goswami (1/43) returned to get rid of Anisa Mohammed (2) and become the all-time highest wicket-taker in the women’s World Cup with 40 wickets in her kitty. Earlier, opener Yastika Bhatia scored a quick 31 off 21 balls, laced with six boundaries, to give the team a good start along with Mandhana. Bhatia and Mandhana put on 49 runs for the opening stand in 6.3 overs but once she departed, Mithali Raj (5) and Deepti Sharma (15) also followed suit, leaving India tottering at 78 for three.

While Bhatia was caught and bowled by S Selman, Mithali was caught by Shamilia Connell at mid-wicket off Matthews in the 10th over. India scored 62 for two in the powerplay with Deepti Sharma (15) making a promising start but Matthews took a one-handed stunner at first slip to get rid of the all-rounder. Mandhana and Kaur then joined hands and steadied the innings as India amassed 100 runs in 20 overs. The duo was picked by the ones and twos and also got the boundaries regularly to keep the scoreboard ticking. Mandhana scored her first fifty off 66 balls with five fours in the 27th over, while the second fifty came in 43 balls.

The left-handed opener picked up her first maximum in the 33rd over when she produced a straight down the ground six off Selman. She smashed another six in the 37th over long-on off Aaliyah Alleyne. With the two batters scoring at a good pace, 200 was up in the 36th over. Mandhana reached her 90s with a boundary and got a life when she was dropped by Alleyne on 96. She also survived an LBW appeal before reaching her century with another four off Matthews. With Kaur also going great guns, India crossed the 250-mark in no time.

Preview

India have taken an unassailable lead in the India Vs West Indies T20 series and will be pleased with how things have gone. The top-order has batted with intent and is getting off the blocks really quickly, Virat Kohli made a fifty and the finishers are doing well. The trio of Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer have all scored nicely making India’s middle order look really steady.

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The bowlers also came out strongly after being challenged to bowl with heavy dew. They were in a pressure situation against some of West Indies most explosive players, and did a very good job. Harshal Patel was good in the death and Ravi Bishnoi did a good job as well, but the best performance was from India’s experienced head. After struggling to find intent and rhythm, Bhuvneshwar Kumar turned the clock back to 2017-2018 and bowled a over. With 29 off 12 balls, he conceded only four runs to remind everyone of his death bowling skills.

The West Indies are still winless but they are getting far more competitive. The last game saw the likes of Rovman Powell and Nicholas Pooran go big. On another day their onslaught may have got the West Indies over the line, but it wasn’t meant to be.

Match Details:

Match: India Vs West Indies

Date: 20^th February 2022

Time: 7:00 PM IST

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Weather Report

The evening for the India Vs West Indies game is going to be pleasant. A lot of dew is expected yet again in the India Vs West Indies fixture.

Pitch Report

The first India Vs West Indies T20 saw the pitch take some turn and hold despite the presence of dew. The second T20 though had runs come at a faster pace. The surface had more grass, and the ball came on better. The third T20 is likely to have a similar pitch and with dew around the toss is going to be crucial in deciding the outcome of this India Vs West Indies game.

India Vs West Indies Predicted Playing XI

India Playing XI

India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 3 Shreyas Iyer, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Ishan Kishan (wk), 6 Venkatesh Iyer/Deepak Hooda, 7 Harshal Patel, 8 Deepak Chahar/Shardul Thakur, 9 Ravi Bishnoi, 10 Bhuvneshwar Kumar 11 Yuzvendra Chahal/Kuldeep Yadav

West Indies Playing XI

West Indies (probable): 1 Kyle Mayers, 2 Brandon King, 3 Nicholas Pooran (wk), 4 Rovman Powell, 5 Kieron Pollard (capt), 6 Jason Holder, 7 Roston Chase, 8 Romario Shepherd, 9 Odean Smith, 10 Akeal Hosein, 11 Sheldon Cottrell

Team News

Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli are on a break now, and that could prompt atleast two changes. Ishan Kishan will take the gloves and Ruturaj Gaikwad could come in at the top-order. Shreyas Iyer and Deepak Hooda also have chances of selection while the bowlers may be rotated.

West Indies has struggled with their sixth bowler, but could still play the same eleven.

Key Players

Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard hasn’t been among the runs and with seniors stepping out after the T20 World Cup the spotlight will fall on him. His intent is in question, and fitness as well. On his day, Pollard can be very explosive, and he will need to go big in the upcoming India Vs West Indies game if he is to stay away from the firing zone.

Ishan Kishan

After having a great time at the auction, Ishan Kishan has struggled to get going. His time in the middle has been a struggle and it is likely to get tougher with Kishan likely to drop down to five in a bid to fit Ruturaj Gaikwad.

India Vs West Indies Match Tips

With the bowling attack doing well and batting looking strong India stands a strong chance to win. The West Indies team is also very explosive, but their bowling is a little off and that leaves them behind.

Match Prediction: India will win the match

Preview

The first India Vs West Indies T20I was competitive, unlike the ODI series. West Indies ended up on the losing side but managed to fight despite scoring less in a game affected badly by dew. The West Indies line-up is full of power, and it is only a matter of time before they play a game in which the side fires collectively. The batting goes down to number ten, and with Mayers and Chase, West Indies has some nice accumulators in the middle of their aggressive batters.

For India, Rohit Sharma started well and looks intent on changing India’s go slow at the start approach by himself. Ishan Kishan struggled, and Virat Kohli couldn’t get runs again. Suryakumar Yadav though did well to steer India home under pressure and looks like a very calm head in the middle. The biggest positive though was Ravi Bishnoi, who came in and took two key wickets.

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Match Details

Match: India Vs West Indies

Date: 18^th February 2022

Time: 7:00 PM IST

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Weather Report

Heavy dew is expected again, but clear skies are likely through the India Vs West Indies game. There is no chance of rain as well during the India Vs West Indies game.

Pitch Report

The first India Vs West Indies saw the pitch stop and take some turn even though dew was around. The ball was holding, but the presence of dew will still give the team batting second an advantage.

India Vs West Indies Predicted Playing XI

India Playing XI

Rohit Sharma (capt), Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Venkatesh Iyer, Harshal Patel, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal

West Indies Playing XI

Kyle Mayers, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Roston Chase, Kieron Pollard (capt), Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Odean Smith, Romario Shepherd, Fabian Allen, Sheldon Cottrell

Team News

Deepak Chahar was hit on the hand and could be replaced by Shardul Thakur due to the injury.

For the West Indies, Jason Holder is likely to come back in for Akeal Hossein, while the rest of the line-up stays the same.

Key Players

Jason Holder

Jason Holder is an all-rounder who goes under the radar easily. He can bat with a steady mind and go for the big ones when needed, while his bowling can also be used to pick up key wickets at random stages. He is a huge player for the West Indies and his return will give the side a massive boost.

Ravi Bishnoi

India’s young googly star came out nicely in the first T20. He bowled his special quick googlies, had the batters in trouble and will look to do the same in the second T20. He is young and could make a statement ahead of the T20 World Cup through this three-match series.

India Vs West Indies Match Tips

With Jason Holder coming back, and a lot of depth in the West Indies batting line-up, the West Indies may have a decent chance of winning this game. They need one of their batters to fire well, and if they do the team should be in for a strong night. India has a pretty good chance as well given their performance in the first game and their record at home. However, with West Indies fighting to keep the series alive, they may come out with extra incentive.

Match Prediction: West Indies will win the match.