It didn't hurt not to play 1983 World Cup despite being in the squad, reveals Sunil Valson
1983 World Cup winner Sunil Valson revealed that despite not playing a single match in the entire tournament, he was proud to have been part of the victorious side led by Kapil Dev. Valson added that the moment he saw Roger Binny run, he realised he would not play a single game in the tournament.
The Indian cricket team pulled off a stunning win in the 1983 World Cup as they laid their hands on the coveted trophy for the first time in the nation’s history. Sunil Valson was part of the squad that won the tournament against all odds under the capable leadership of Kapil Dev.
However, despite being part of the 14-man squad that triumphed against the mighty West Indies, he failed to play a single game for the men in blue throughout the course of the tournament. But the former left-arm pacer revealed that he no one can downplay his role in the squad as India went all the way and lifted the 1983 Prudential trophy.
"Absolutely not. It didn't hurt then when I was a youngster and it doesn't hurt now that I am almost a senior citizen. There are 14 guys who won that World Cup and I was among the 14. No one can take that away from me," Valson told PTI sources in a recent interview.
Valson did play the two warm-up games at the start against Australia and minor counties. The former pacer revealed that the moment he watched Roger Binny run on the pitch, he realised that he would not play a single game in the World Cup.
“Back then, fitness test meant a round of jogging, a few sprints and a few deliveries. Jaise hi Roger ne bhaagna suru Kiya, mujhe pata thaa main naahi kheloonga [The way he ran, I knew I won’t play]. Roger was in great form and it was only fair that Kapil, Roger and Madan played all games.
“But I got a chance to get into the field as Dilip Vengsarkar was hit by Malcolm Marshall and I helped him get back to dressing room. Malcolm was unbelievable in 1983. We have never seen such quick bowling,” Valson added.
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