On June 25, 2021, Indian fans celebrated the 38th anniversary of the country’s first cricket World Cup triumph. Kapil Dev and Co’s historic victory at Lord’s in 1983 was hailed by fans, former players and current stars with tributes on social media.
India have won two more world titles since then – the 2007 World T20 and the 2011 ODI World Cup – but what Kapil Dev’s team achieved in England back in 1983 continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Indian cricket fans.
Up against Clive Lloyd’s mighty West Indies side that had won the last two editions and with just 183 runs to defend, India did the impossible by holding their nerve and delivering a stunning performance.
Pause, rewind, play: India’s 1983 World Cup triumph changed world cricket forever
Here are some of the tributes that flowed in for that unforgettable triumph:
#OnThisDay
— The Field (@thefield_in) June 24, 2021
In 1983, India scripted one of the greatest underdog triumphs in the history of sport. Kapil Dev and Co defeated the mighty West Indies to lift the World Cup.
🎥 ICCpic.twitter.com/IVdkE3bThE
38 years ago on 25th June #1983, @therealkapildev #KapilsDevils created history.
— Kirti Azad (@KirtiAzaad) June 25, 2021
Bharat mata was #WorldCupChampions @RaviShastriOfc @BCCI
We are all together and celebrating. Minus #SunilGavaskar and #RaviShastri they’re in England. Srikanth is missing due to domestic issues pic.twitter.com/pJFnvvEvPK
Grateful for being a part of the winning 83 team . 38 years to this beautiful journey !!!! Celebrating with my team @KirtiAzaad @therealkapildev @DBVengsarkar @KrisSrikkanth @RaviShastriOfc @cricyashpal pic.twitter.com/XC1TF1ABZn
— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) June 25, 2021
38 years ago on this day , India won the world cup against all odds and this victory inspired a generation of youngsters to take up cricket and dream big. Thank you @therealkapildev Paaji and team for inspiring us. pic.twitter.com/I5Q6xxhP6Q
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) June 25, 2021
25th June 1983. West Indies 2 for 57 chasing India's meagre 183. Viv Richards in blistering form, 33 off just 28 balls. Madan Lal bowls, Viv hits it high in the air, and Kapil sprints hard and then settles...
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) June 25, 2021
And a nation holds its collective breath... pic.twitter.com/9Mf15V1zIq
On this day in 1983, @therealkapildev and his men showed us that anything is possible if we dare to dream. This victory inspired a whole generation to take up cricket and dream big 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/nYgOJElYg3
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 25, 2021
A day that changed the face of cricket in India and inspired so many kids to pick up a bat and ball 🇮🇳 Congratulations to the wonderful 1983 team on creating history and inspiring generations. pic.twitter.com/xYmalq4ZPO
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) June 25, 2021
The Most Important Day in Indian Cricket. Made millions play cricket. Made a whole generation believe that we can do it…thank you 🙌🙏 #ThisDayThatYear #1983 pic.twitter.com/h2vBGtAzNk
— Wear a Mask. Stay Safe, India (@cricketaakash) June 25, 2021
The magical smile of @therealkapildev and even more magical performance by his teammates on this day in 1983 is the only reason why cricket is greater than any religion in our country . pic.twitter.com/TqXczoKUVd
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) June 25, 2021
On June 25, 1983, India played the World Cup final. And Kapil Dev and team created history by defeating two-time defending champions West Indies to lay their hands on the coveted trophy at the Lord’s. pic.twitter.com/bdHHnEgZOe
— Dutee Chand (@DuteeChand) June 25, 2021
Today in 1983
— CricBeat (@Cric_beat) June 25, 2021
India Won their First Worldcup
Youngest Captain to win WC Trophy
24yrs 170d - Kapil Dev*
28yrs 94d - Ricky Ponting
29yrs 269d - MS Dhoni
30yrs 294d - Clive Lloyd
#OnThisDay in 1983, India won the Prudential World Cup beating the mighty West Indies by 43 runs at Lord’s. This win kickstarted a cricket revolution in India. What a win!
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) June 25, 2021
The same day in 1932, India played their first ever Test match at Lord’s. pic.twitter.com/3RWUY86iwM
With 1 win in two previous WCs, even the Indian team thought they had no chance. In fact, the plan was to fly to the US for a holiday straight after India got knocked out & most players had purchased their tickets. & then Tunbridge Wells & Old Trafford & Lords happened. pic.twitter.com/TZoYKNCRlh
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) June 25, 2021
There's just so much pride that we as Indians feel each time we look at this image 💙🇮🇳#OnThisDay in 1983, @therealkapildev and his #TeamIndia earned a special place in cricketing history with a World Cup triumph at Lord's 🏆 pic.twitter.com/T23bPP1tY8
— Delhi Capitals (Stay Home. Wear Double Masks😷) (@DelhiCapitals) June 25, 2021
Where it all started...💙#OnThisDay in 1️⃣9️⃣8️⃣3️⃣, @therealkapildev's team did the impossible and lifted the first-ever Cricket World Cup for India! 🇮🇳🏆🤩#OneFamily #MumbaiIndians @BCCI pic.twitter.com/NMdJj4tCbv
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) June 25, 2021
#OnThisDay in 1️⃣9️⃣8️⃣3️⃣, India won its first ever World Cup at the Home of Cricket. 🏆
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) June 25, 2021
A legendary feat at a legendary venue. 🤩#PlayBold #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/nQIoctjpmk
Also read:
What Kapil Dev and Co’s historic 1983 World Cup win means to various generations of Indian fans
Anecdotes galore: Reliving the famous 1983 World Cup win in the words of Kapil Dev and Co
Pause, rewind, play: When Viv Richards hit the ball in the air in 1983 and Kapil Dev ran back