Dev recalls India's finest hour

Former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev is considered one of the greatest all-rounders to have ever played the game. In 2002 he was named Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century after he captained India to their maiden and only Cricket World Cup over the mighty West Indies in 1983.

Gulf News: Twenty-five years after that famous victory can you recall how you beat the all-time favourites?

Kapil dev: Actually, I believe we enjoyed the moment more than every other team in that competition. It was all about self-belief. At the beginning of the tournament, we were not so confident. But the confidence grew as the tournament progressed. Once we had a couple of wins under our belt, there was no looking back. And we enjoyed each other's company as well.

Confidence is a key word and you showed it against Zimbabwe when you made that 175 and saved the game. What was going on in your mind during that innings?

The Zimbabweans had beaten the Australians in the same World Cup previously, and when I entered, Yashpal left at 17 for five. My only concern was then to reach 100. Being all out against Zimababwe for less than 100 is something I really did not want to happen. So, I was thinking about reaching there first and trying to avoid a shameful surrender.

But you took India to 266 from there. Did you think it was one of the great innings at the time?

At the time when we were batting, we really did not care about it. When we reached 100 my target was then to reach 150. Afterwards it's easy to think about it, but I only know what was going on in my mind. Now we know that that innings changed the shape of our future in the tournament, but at that time, we were not in a position to think what would happen afterwards.

Another key moment was in the final when you caught Viv Richards. With only 183 to defend and Richards going after your bowlers, what were you thinking?

Basically nothing. When a batsman of his calibre starts playing those strokes what more you can do? But I must congratulate Madan Lal for his confidence. I was not ready to give him another over when he wanted to have another go and insisted. If Madan hadn't insisted I would have never asked him to bowl that over.

But what about people who say you turned the match by taking that catch?

People may say so, but as the captain of the team, I know what happened then on the field. Yes, I took the catch, but it was Madan's delivery that had caused him to make an uppish stroke and the wicket was his, not mine.