83 victory gave us pride, not money: Kapil's Devils

They never got the millions that were doled out for Mahendra Singh Dhoni's young brigade after the Twenty20 World Cup victory, but Kapil's Devils hold no grudge and say the love and pride showered after their historic 1983 World Cup triumph more than made up for it.

Kapil Dev, the skipper of the Indian side that made history at Lords on June 25, 1983, said the World Cup win was the most memorable moment in the lives of all the members of the team.

"Pride, happiness and love of countrymen, that's what the victory gave us. Money was immaterial for us at that very moment," said Kapil.

Apart from the accolades, Indian cricketers were showered with loads of money after the Twenty20 World Cup triumph in South Africa last year.

Almost, all the state governments gave away 'rich' rewards to their state cricketers, who were part of that team. The BCCI also rewarded Dhoni's men with $ 2 million for the victory.

In sharp contrast, each member of the 1983 side were rewarded with one lakh rupees by the then cash-strapped BCCI.

Legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar, who was a senior member of the victorious squad, said the victory of his underdog team was a result of self belief.

"All that mattered for us that we were World Champions. The 1983 triumph gave self belief to Indian cricket," the cricketer-turned-commentator said.

Interestingly, for Sunil Walson, who did not play a single game in the entire tournament, being a part of Kapil's Devils was a privilege in itself.

"I did not play a single match in the tournament but being a part of the 14-member team is a big honour and privilege for me," Walson said.

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