Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev, who played in an era dominated by the cricket powerhouse West Indies, is coming to terms with the fact that the Caribbean team will not be participating in the upcoming ODI World Cup. For the first time in the tournament’s history, West Indies failed to qualify, leaving Kapil Dev in disbelief. He recalls the fear-inducing presence of the West Indies team during his playing days and marvels at the drastic change in their fortunes. Meanwhile, Kapil still cherishes the love and admiration his team received for winning the 1983 World Cup, a historic moment that defied all odds.
Once a dominant force in world cricket, West Indies has been unable to secure qualification for India’s upcoming ODI World Cup. Despite their past formidable performances, they could not finish among the top two teams in the World Cup qualifiers held in Zimbabwe. As a result, they will not be participating in the marquee event for the first time in ODI World Cup history.
Kapil Dev, who led India to a historic victory in the 1983 World Cup, expresses disbelief over West Indies’ absence from the tournament. He remembers an era when teams feared facing the West Indies, making their exclusion from the event even more surprising for him. The iconic all-rounder admits he never imagined witnessing a day when West Indies would fail to qualify for the World Cup.
Kapil fondly recalls the momentous event in 1983 when India defied the odds to win the World Cup. He admits that even after 40 years, he and his team still pinch themselves in amazement at the love and adoration they continue to receive for that historic victory.
“I still can’t believe it. People were so scared of the West Indies. 40 years down, they have not qualified. In my mind, I didn’t imagine I would see a day like this,” Kapil was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express.
Since India’s momentous win in 1983, they have lifted the World Cup once more under the captaincy of MS Dhoni in 2011. The victory was even more special as India became the first team to be crowned world champions on their home soil. With India hosting the event again after 12 years, Kapil believes they will be the favourites in the tournament.
“We still pinch ourselves. We had never imagined we would get so much love,” he said.
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India as Tournament Favorites: According to Kapil Dev, India will enter the ODI World Cup as favourites, a position they have often found themselves in. However, he emphasizes that the team’s success will depend on how they manage the fans’ expectations. He hopes that the Indian team will be fully prepared to tackle the challenges and live up to the expectations of their supporters.
“India will enter the tournament as a favourite, which has always been the case. It depends on how the team deals with the expectations of fans. They are yet to announce India’s final team of players, but I hope they are fully prepared,” said the former India captain.
