Entering the tournament as minnows, and then surprising everyone by lifting the trophy, India's journey in 1983 Prudential World Cup is fascinating. Something like this rarely happens in sports, and that's why the World Cup win from 37 years back is still fresh in the memories of those who participated or watched it.

India had defeated the very dominating West Indies in the final by 43 runs. It was a Caribbean side who would pass like a tornado and destroy anything in their way. But against Kapil Dev aka Haryana Hurricane's team, they stood no chance.

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Former India batsman Kris Srikkanth said he had very little hopes for the win after they could only manage 183 on the board. But a pep-talk from captain Kapil Dev sparked some light in the darkness for them. 

The top scorer for India in the final with 38 runs, Srikkanth said, "With the batting line-up that West Indian had and looking at 183, we thought we had no scope at all."

"But Kapil Dev said one thing and he didn't say we can win but he said — look guys we have got out for 183 and we should give resistance and not give away the match so easily," he added on 'Star Sports 1 Tamil show Winning the Cup 1983'.

It was a huge win especially in a time when Indian cricket had no big achievement to inspire the upcoming generation. Srikkanth said victory is a turning point in Indian cricket.

"It was the turning point for Indian cricket and for Indians. At a time when cricket was dominated by West Indies, Australia, New Zealand, and others, a total underdog Indians became the world champions," he said.

Indian players had already got a bonus of Rs 25,000 for qualifying to the final which was highly unexpected when tournament kicked-off. When they were facing England in the semi-final, the English media had already declared final will be played between England and West Indies. But India's fightback humiliated them.

"On the eve of the finals there were all the top officials from the board, the joint secretary and everyone and there was a small meeting. They said don't worry about the finals tomorrow, you've come so far that's itself fantastic. And whether tomorrow you win the match or not, they announced a 25,000 rupees bonus for all of us," Srikkanth said.

"We did not feel that much pressure. Because favorites were West Indies, they were 1975 and 1979 champions, dominating world cricket, so we thought it was a big deal making it to the finals itself," he signed off.