Andy Roberts on the 1983 World Cup Final: Luck went India's way
India shocked the world by defeating the two-time defending champions West Indies in the final of the 1983 World Cup.
It was a typical David vs Goliath encounter as West Indies were the favourites to win the tournament for the third straight time, while India had faced group stage eliminations in both the previous two editions.
However, India defied all the odds and pulled off the unthinkable, a feat so miraculous that it forever changed the way the sport was received and looked at in the country.
Andy Roberts believes India were 'lucky' to win 1983 World Cup
West Indies bowling legend Andy Roberts, who has 289 international wickets to his name and was one of the most fearsome bowlers of his era, downplayed India's famous victory in the 1983 World Cup Final in a conversation with Sportstar.
"We were in form but due for a bad game. It was just India's luck in 1983. Because of that great team that we had, we lost two games in 1983, and both to India. And then, five or six months later, we beat India 6-0. So, it was just that game. Luck went India's way after they were dismissed for 180-odd. We weren't outplayed. We just lost the game. It was not overconfidence or complacency."
He also added that none of the Indian players, whether a batsman or a bowler, impressed him.
"Among the batsmen, I was not impressed by anyone in particular. No one got a fifty. Among the bowlers, no one got a 5-fer or even a 4-fer. So, I was not particularly impressed. Batsmen impress when you play a top-quality innings. And no one from India did that."
The turning point of 1983 World Cup Final? Vivian Richards' dismissal
When asked what the turning point of the Final was, which heavily tilted the game in India's favours, Roberts suggested that Sir Viv Richards' wicket was too big of a blow to them.
"I think it was when Viv (Richards) got out. We could never recover. The only difference in the finals is that in 1975 and 1979, we were inserted. In '83, we batted second. That was the difference."
What next for the Indian cricket team?
The Men in Blue are currently preparing for the all-format series against West Indies and have begun training in Barbados.
They are set to play West Indies in two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is.
