Sunil Valson, the former left-arm pacer and the only member of India's 1983 World Cup-winning squad who didn't get to feature in any of the games, is certainly not one to look back at life with regrets. He, in fact, maintains a smile on his face and retains a strong bond with his ex-teammates, who, along with skipper Kapil Dev, made the nation feel proud. 

Valson never played a game for India and retired with 75 first-class games to his name. The 60-year-old is remembered every time a World Cup is around the corner and he is now very well used to it for obvious reasons. 

"I know every four years, I get these calls," he jokingly told PTI. But surely there must be some pain that runs deep within. "Absolutely not. It didn't hurt then when I was a youngster and it doesn't hurt now that I am almost a senior citizen. There are 14 guys who won that World Cup and I was among the 14. No one can take that away from me."

Valson remembers playing club cricket in England before receiving a maiden call-up for being one of the quickest pacers around. He played the two official warm-up games against Australia and minor counties. 

"I was playing in Durham West Coast League when a club official informed me of my selection. In that pre-internet era, it was difficult to confirm. I called up Kirti (Azad) who was also playing club cricket and he confirmed it. But I knew getting a chance into the first XI would be difficult."

"We lost both games and one against a minor county. Can you beat that? Even with little press coverage, we were taken to task but then we beat West Indies in the first game and it all changed," he recollected. 

Valson didn't get many hints from Kapil that he would feature in one of the games. But there was a possible opportunity when Roger Binny suffered an injury. 

"Yes there was one game. The second round robin game against West Indies which we lost (by 66 runs). I don't remember the ground (Oval)."

"If I remember correctly Roger was having some niggle --hamstring or calf, I can't recollect now. Kapil had said if Roger failed fitness Test, I would play. Who isn't excited at the whiff of an opportunity," he said. 

However, Binny reported fit for that game. 

"Back then, fitness test meant a round of jogging, a few sprints and a few deliveries. Jaise hi Roger ne bhaagna suru Kiya, mujhe pata thaa main naahi kheloonga (The way he ran, I knew I won't play). Roger was in great form and it was only fair that Kapil, Roger and Madan played all games," Valson added. 

"But I got a chance to get into the field as Dilip Vengsarkar was hit by Malcolm Marshall and I helped him get back to the dressing room. Malcolm was unbelievable in 1983. We have never seen such quick bowling."

Not playing the World Cup doesn't, but the fact that he didn't get any chance during his peak years from 1979 till 1983 still remains a bitter pill to swallow for Valson, who took a lot of wickets against various touring sides. 

"A fast bowler's peak remains for 3 years and if you make the highest grade, you will generally improve. You play for India, you learn more. My chance didn't come and obviously, I lost a bit of motivation."

But that group of wonderful men still remain in touch. 

"We have a WhatsApp group. Every year on June 25, people do send each other messages. Now a film (starring Ranveer Singh) is being made. It remains the finest month of my life," Valson concluded.