India’s Impressive World Cup Journey: From Underdog in 1983 to complete Dominance in 2023

India is one step closer to clinching the World Cup after defeating New Zealand in the semi-final match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Cricket enthusiasts and analysts predict that this is the greatest Indian team ever, making it extremely tough for opponents to beat them on home ground. This marks the fourth time that Team India has reached the finals. Amidst this excitement, cricket fans reminisce about previous World Cups that India won in 1983 and 2011, comparing the current team’s journey from being perceived as underdogs to emerging as a dominating force in the 2023 tournament.

As a Underdog in 1983

In the 1983 World Cup, there were not many expectations for the Indian team under the captaincy of Kapil Dev. In a total of 8 matches, India won 6, including the World Cup final against West Indies, and lost two matches against Australia and West Indies in the league phase. Kapil Dev scored his best ODI of 175 against Zimbabwe in this World Cup.

Daily reminder that Kapil Dev won us the 1983 world cup pic.twitter.com/GISmkCoA8X

— Aryan 45 🇮🇳 (@Iconic_Rohit) November 16, 2023

In the final match against West Indies, a team that had previously won two World Cups, India batted first and scored just 183 runs. Many felt that it wouldn’t be a significant challenge for West Indies, given their strong batting lineup featuring Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes, Vivian Richards, and Clive Lloyd. However, India achieved a miraculous feat by restricting West Indies to 140 while defending the modest score.

Madan Lal and Mohinder Amarnath played crucial roles, each taking 3 wickets, contributing significantly to India’s victory in the finals. As underdogs turned World Cup champions, India’s journey in this World Cup was truly remarkable.

As a Rising force in 2011

In 2011, the Indian cricket team, a rising force, under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, achieved its second World Cup victory. Throughout the tournament, India played a total of nine matches, including the final, securing victories in seven matches. They suffered one loss against South Africa, and one match ended in a tie with England during the group stage.

If MS Dhoni costed us 2019 World Cup then don't cry when we say MS Dhoni won us 2011 World Cup pic.twitter.com/TcqxAk6aks

— 𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐲𝐚𝐬𝐌𝐒𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐧™ (@Itzshreyas07) November 15, 2023

In the final showdown, Sri Lanka batted first, posting a score of 274/6 in 50 overs. India successfully chased the target in 48.2 overs, losing four wickets in the process. The pivotal contributions from Gautam Gambhir (97) and Dhoni’s unbeaten 91 played a crucial role in India’s triumphant victory. Dhoni’s memorable winning shot, a six, in the match, along with Ravi Shastri’s commentary at that moment, remains etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts.

Notably, this was the first instance of two Asian teams facing each other in a World Cup final. India also created history by becoming the first country to win the World Cup on home soil.

Also Read: World Cup 2023: Is India’s Bowling Attack The Best Ever?

As the Complete Dominant Force in 2023

Compared to the 1983 and 2011 World Cup-winning Indian teams, the current Indian squad playing in the 2023 World Cup appears to be the strongest team ever. India has won 10 matches in the current tournament, including the semi-finals, without losing a single match. Based on the sentiments and the current form of the Indian team, cricket fans are predicting that India will win the World Cup for the third time.

Virat Kohli achieves the historic 50th ODI century, Shami becomes the first Indian bowler to capture 7 wickets in an ODI, Shreyas plays an exceptional innings, Rohit and Shubman sublime at the top. Congratulations Team India on a 4th World Cup final. Best wishes #IndvsNZ pic.twitter.com/Texg06Qt8V

— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) November 15, 2023

In 2015, Australia won the World Cup as the host team, and in 2019, England achieved the same feat. Following this pattern, cricket fans are anticipating Team India’s victory in the 2023 World Cup final. After winning the World Cup in 2011, India has now reached the finals again after 12 years. In 1983, India surprised everyone by winning the cricket World Cup. Now, the way the team has improved and become the hot favorite for the 2023 World Cup is really impressive.

The team India has broken many records at personal level in this tournament. The top batter and top bowler list of the tournament features Indian players and India has not lost a single game so far. In the finals, India is expected to meet Australia most probably and if that happens, fans will demand a revenge for 2003 world cup final.