Page 48 - The Indian EYE 082225

The Indian Eye
STUMP VISION AUGUST 22, 2025 48

India’s Cricketing Journey

Since 1947: A Saga of Triumph,

Drama, and Glory

This Independence Day, as the nation celebrates 79 years of freedom,

it is fitting to revisit the iconic victories, legendary players, and unforgettable matches

that have shaped Indian cricket’s extraordinary story

OUR BUREAU
Mumbai
ricket in India is more than
just a sport—it is a nation-
Cal heartbeat, a passion that
unites millions, and a reflection of
the country’s journey since indepen-
dence.
From tentative beginnings in the
1950s to becoming a global power-
house, Indian cricket has given fans
moments of joy, heartbreak, and
sheer disbelief.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
fter India gained indepen-
dence in 1947, the national
Acricket team faced the chal-
lenge of proving itself on the inter-
national stage. The first glimmer of
success came in 1952 when India de-
feated England at Chepauk—a land-
mark victory that lifted the spirits of a
newly independent nation. Later that The 1983 World Cup was a game-changer as Kapil Dev’s team stunned the cricketing world by defeating the dominant West Indies by 43 runs at Lord’s
year, India clinched its maiden Test
series against Pakistan, winning the
first and third Tests while drawing the In 1967-68, India achieved its 1-0 victory in the Caribbean, followed THE 1983 WORLD CUP
rest. Cricket journalist Rajiv Menon first Test series win outside the sub- by a 1-0 series triumph in England hile Test victories were
recalls, “Those early victories were continent, defeating New Zealand against Ray Illingworth’s Ashes-win- milestones, the 1983 World
more than just statistics—they were 3-1. Veteran cricket historian Anand ning squad, established India as a se- WCup was a game-changer.
symbolic statements. India was as- Mehra notes, “Winning in New Zea- rious cricketing power. Former Indi- Kapil Dev’s team stunned the crick-
serting its identity, not just politically land wasn’t just about cricket—it was an cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has said, eting world by defeating the domi-
but also on the sports field.” a psychological breakthrough. For “Those series wins gave Indian crick- nant West Indies by 43 runs at Lord’s.
The rivalry with Pakistan quickly the first time, India’s players realized et credibility. Wadekar’s calm leader-
became the heartbeat of Indian crick- they could compete anywhere in the ship and our young players’ fearless- Cricket fan Aarti Sharma recalls, “I
was eight years old, glued to the ra-
et. Matches between the two nations world.” ness made the impossible possible.” dio. When Kapil Dev lifted the tro-
carried intense emotions, drawing These wins inspired a generation phy, it felt like the entire country was
millions to stadiums and screens. THE GOLDEN ERA OF 1971 of cricketers, including Sunil Gavas- celebrating. That day, cricket became
From the first series win in 1952 to kar, Gundappa Viswanath, and lat- a national obsession.”
memorable encounters in the Asia he early 1970s marked India’s er, the fearless attacking players of The victory inspired a new gen-
Cup and World Cups, India-Paki- arrival as a cricketing force. the 1980s. Cricket began to capture eration of players and fans, proving
stan games have always transcended TUnder Ajit Wadekar’s captain- the imagination of the masses, trans- that India could compete against the
sport, representing pride, resilience, cy, India recorded historic wins in forming stadiums into arenas of na-
and fierce competition. both the West Indies and England. A tional pride. Continued on next page... >>

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