Interview with Madan Lal: Former all rounder re-lives memories of 1983 World Cup

Madan Lal took the crucial wicket of Viv Richards in the final of the 1983 World Cup

Clad in a crisp white shirt and immaculate sunglasses, Madan Lal looks to be reversing the clock as he seems younger than ever. The ex-India player and coach was the Chief Guest as he inaugurated the sports fest of NITIE, Mumbai. The veteran’s persona is still capable of gathering audiences and regaling them numerous tales from his playing career. Added to that his jovial nature and the typical Punjabi spirit, it made for a perfect start to a Sunday morning.

As the veteran laid stress on how sports can help build character and strength and how success/failures in sports is a euphemism for life itself, he kept the audience riveted to their seats as he shared some experiences from his cricketing career.

Here are the excerpts:

What would you consider the highlights of your career?

Undoubtedly the best one is being part of the 1983 World Cup winning team. I also feel extremely proud to have been part of the winning team in the Benson and Hedges World Championship and Asia Cup. In a nutshell, these three would be the best memories of my career.

On the mindset of Team India during 1983 World Cup

We were the underdogs at that point of time and frankly even we didn’t think that we could make it to the finals at Lords and face the might of the West Indies. I recall that we had lost the tour matches leading to the series and the mood was very dejected.

I can recall an incidence where were hanging out at a bar after the tour game and one guy there was singing that India would go on to win the World Cup and I mumbled to myself that he was the most stupid guy ever on this planet.

So when did the belief actually set in that India could lift the World Cup?

Our strategy was to take it one game at a time. Even after defeating England in the semi-finals, we were quite skeptical about the maiden World Cup glory. Added to that, the meager show put up by our batsmen did not help. So only after we knocked Viv Richards out of the equation thanks to the brilliant catch by Kapil Dev did we start believing that this could be the proudest moment of Indian Cricket and yes, miracles do happen.

On a personal note, how did 1983 World Cup change your life?

Cricket is a huge sport in India. So naturally when you bag the top prize in the game the adulation is bound to follow. I recall that when we landed in Mumbai, the joy that I saw on the faces of people was of the purest form. In fact, there was hardly any space to plant a foot en route the victory march of Team India.

On a personal note, people started recognizing my family members too. During a particular incident when my dad when to file his income tax at the income tax office, the officials recognized him instantaneously and offered him a seat and took care of all the needed paperwork. My dad said that they officials knew him as the father of ‘Madan Lal’ and I can honestly tell that I felt very proud of myself then. At that moment, I felt that cricket has started to make an impact in my life.

What message would you give to the youth of India?

I believe that it is very important to be endlessly passionate about your interests. This is not necessarily restricted to just being good at sports.

As a sportsman, I personally felt that I could never give tiredness/fatigue as an excuse to myself. I crossed this negative attitude as soon I realized that I wanted to be a professional cricketer and make a name for myself in the game.

Additionally I believe that it is essential to play the game in the right spirit. We all play to win, but I believe that even a loss opens up avenues to analyze and improve your game. At the end of the day, what matters is how true you remain to your commitment. If you work hard, success is guaranteed.