Unfortunately, some of the members left us for their heavenly abode many years ago
India’s national cricket team won its first-ever World Cup in 1983, and by doing so, it created a statement that underdogs are never to be underestimated. In 1983, India, a 36-year-old country, won its first World Cup in cricket, which coincidentally took place on English soil, its former coloniser. The team consisted of a mix of young and experienced players who gave their best in every possible way to lift the trophy, which became an important milestone in India’s post-independence history.
It's been 42 years since India lifted the trophy, and as we celebrate the nation’s 79th Independence Day this August, let us take a look at where all the members from that World Cup-winning squad are.
Kapil Dev, the captain of that team, now serves as the President of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), given that he is a hardcore golf enthusiast. He is also featured in various cricket-based programmes and has authored several books. One of the youngest members of the squad, Dev is now 66 years old.
A senior member of the team, Mohinder Amarnath, was the team’s vice-captain in 1983. Presently aged 74, Mohinder Amarnath is fit and fine, often offering his expert opinion on various developments related to Indian cricket. From praises to criticism, players of the present Indian team get it all from Amarnath.
(Credit - The Hindu)
At the age of 66, after retiring from cricket, Kirti slowly ventured into politics, which is not surprising given that he is the son of the former Chief Minister of Bihar, Bhagwat Jha Azad. He is currently a member of the Lok Sabha, representing the All India Trinamool Congress, and also the party’s state in-charge in Goa. In 2024, he won the Lok Sabha Election from the Bardhaman-Durgapur constituency in West Bengal.
(Credit - The Hindu)
Roger Binny is actively associated with Indian cricket, presently serving as the 36th and incumbent president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Fondly called Humphrey, Binny is now 70 years old.
Sunil Gavaskar, the “Little Master”, is found doing commentary in several international matches. He has also authored books and works as a columnist with multiple leading cricket publications. Gavaskar is also associated with a sports management firm named Professional Management Group.
Aged 75, India’s wicket-keeper Syed Kirmani recently launched a book named Stumped. Whenever there’s a reunion of the 1983 squad, Kirmani is one of the former players who never misses an event.
(Credit - News 18)
Post-retirement, Madan Lal founded the Madan Lal Cricket Academy in Delhi, where he serves as the coach and promotes cricket. He is also associated with the Sanjay Jagdale MPCA Academy.
According to a report by Press Trust of India (PTI) in July, Sandeep Patil is working on a project in Kolkata that aims to mirror the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. He has been appointed as the head for five years.
Aged 69, Balwinder Sandhu has been associated with coaching at various levels in the domestic setup. He also works as a cricket analyst and is involved in various cricket events and programmes.
Middle-order batsman Yashpal Sharma is the only member from the 1983 squad who is no longer with us. Sharma passed away due to a massive heart attack at the age of 66 in 2021.
Before Gautam Gambhir, Ravishankar Jayadritha Shastri was the coach of the Indian national side that won several major matches and series. He has also been a constant commentator in big matches, providing his opinion and analysis on ongoing matches.
(Credit - The Hindu)
The most comic character of the squad, Krishnamachari Srikkanth, runs a YouTube channel named ‘Cheeky Cheeka’ where he shares his insights about recent developments in cricket. He also works as a cricket analyst, commentator, and motivational speaker.
Sunil Valson was the only player in the 1983 squad who did not play a single game. After retirement, he worked with the Railways and also held administrative roles for the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.
Last but not least, Dilip Vengsarkar runs three cricket academies and serves as the League Commissioner for the Big Cricket League (BCL). He also works as the Chief Adviser of the Cricket Association of Telangana (CAT).
