India has so much talent we could field four world-class teams
Cricket should be played for passion, not just money
Veteran Cricketers Celebrate Spirit of the Game at Keenan Stadium
We won the World Cup without coaches, doctors or technology — only belief
Former India wicketkeeper revisits World Cup glory, cricket’s transformation and emotional bond with Jamshedpur at Keenan Stadium
Jamshedpur, Dec 18: Former Indian cricket team wicketkeeper and member of the iconic 1983 World Cup–winning squad, Syed Kirmani, on Thursday attended the closing ceremony of the Pankaj Memorial Trophy Cricket Tournament at Keenan Stadium, Jamshedpur. The tournament was organised for veteran cricketers aged 60 years and above and celebrated the enduring spirit of the game beyond age and competition.
Interacting with the media on the sidelines of the event, Kirmani shared nostalgic memories of his playing days, reflected on the historic 1983 World Cup triumph, and spoke at length about the transformation of cricket over the decades—from a game driven purely by passion to a modern sport shaped by technology, money, and global attention.
Recalling his deep connection with the steel city, Kirmani said Jamshedpur holds a special place in his cricketing journey.
“Yes, absolutely. I played my first One Day International in Jamshedpur. It’s been a very long time since then, and the feeling is always special,” he said.
He added that the difference between cricket of his era and today’s cricket is vast.
“There’s a world of difference between the cricket of our time and the cricket of today—facilities, amenities, coaching, everything.”
“We Played on Instinct, Not Instructions”
Kirmani said players of his generation relied purely on natural talent and self-belief.
“In our time, nobody told us what talent we had. We just started playing on our own. There were no coaches, no support staff, no guidance,” he recalled.
He stressed that their abilities came naturally.
“Eighty-eight Test matches are not taught. It’s a natural gift from God. Every human being has talent—it just comes in different forms.”
According to Kirmani, modern players are far more supported.
“Today’s players are lucky. They have coaches, analysts, physios, doctors, and all kinds of help. We had none of that.”
“1983 World Cup Was Completely Unexpected”
Talking about India’s historic World Cup win in 1983, Kirmani admitted that the team had no expectations going into the tournament.
“We were considered the fourth weakest team. Honestly, we didn’t even know where we would end up,” he said.
He shared lighter moments before the team left for England.
“Some players joked that they were going on a honeymoon, others said they were going just to have fun. Winning the World Cup was not even in our thoughts.”
First Turning Point: Beating the West Indies
Kirmani described India’s opening match against the reigning world champions West Indies as the biggest morale booster.
“The most crucial turning point was our very first match. We played against the World Champions and defeated them comprehensively,” he said.
That victory, he explained, changed the team’s mindset.
“From that moment, the whole team woke up. We realised that if we could beat the West Indies, there was no looking back.”
Zimbabwe Match: “If We Lost, Forget the World Cup”
One of the most dramatic moments of the 1983 World Cup came during the must-win match against Zimbabwe, a game Kirmani described as unforgettable.
“That match can never happen again in a lifetime. Seventeen for five, then 120 for eight—it was total chaos,” he recalled.
He noted that the match was not televised due to technical issues.
“BBC said there was a defect, so only radio commentary was available. Ironically, one of the greatest World Cup matches was never shown live.”
Kapil Dev’s 175: “I Saw It from 22 Yards Away”
Kirmani spoke emotionally about his partnership with Kapil Dev in that match.
“When I went out to bat, Kapil Dev was already on fifty or sixty. My thinking was simple—I would play one ball and give him five to hit.”
He recalled a brief but intense conversation with the captain at the crease.
“I told Kapil, ‘We’re not going to die like this. If we have to die, we’ll fight.’”
The partnership proved decisive.
“Kapil scored 175 not out, and I was 26 not out. That partnership of 126 runs saved our World Cup,” Kirmani said.
“I am proud to say I witnessed that innings from the non-striker’s end—just 22 yards away. What batting it was!”
“Mental Strength Won Us the Final”
Reflecting on the final against the mighty West Indies, Kirmani said India had nothing to lose.
“They were two-time champions with legendary bowlers like Malcolm Marshall. But our confidence was sky-high.”
He credited Kapil Dev’s leadership.
“Kapil was a man of action. He told us to put our best foot forward. Everyone played to their strengths.”
“We Won Without Coaches or Support Staff”
Kirmani highlighted how different the game was in 1983.
“We won the World Cup without a coach, doctor, physio, masseur, or video analyst,” he said.
Comparing that era to the present, he added,
“Today’s players benefit from technology and innovation. They are dependent on systems—and that’s not wrong—but we showed what belief can do.”
On Test Cricket and Modern Formats
Addressing the current state of cricket, Kirmani supported the continuation of all formats.
“Test cricket, ODI cricket, T20—all three formats must continue. Development and innovation are necessary.”
He said crowds are still turning up for Tests.
“Even Test matches are houseful now. Cricket has developed tremendously since 1983.”
“India Has Talent to Field Four World-Class Teams”
Kirmani strongly backed the idea of different captains for different formats.
“This is a new way of thinking, and it’s correct. India has talent in abundance.”
“We could easily field four teams, and all could be among the best in the world.”
IPL and the Money Factor
Speaking about the Indian Premier League, Kirmani acknowledged its massive impact.
“There’s so much excitement in limited-overs cricket now. Turn on the TV and you’ll see only cricket.”
However, he warned against excessive focus on money.
“Young children are being bought for crores today. This wasn’t the case in our time.”
He stressed the role of parents.
“Parents must observe a child’s interest carefully. Nowadays, many push children into cricket only because there’s money in it.”
“Let’s Enjoy Cricket in Every Form”
On India’s prospects in upcoming tournaments, including the T20 World Cup, Kirmani kept it simple.
“What can I say? You are all watching. Let’s just enjoy every aspect of cricket.”
