When Sunil Gavaskar Asked Joel Garner for an Easy Single in the 1983 World Cup Final

Gavaskar recently shared a funny story from the intense final against the West Indies. Facing the fearsome Joel Garner, whose fast, bouncing deliveries were a nightmare, Gavaskar cheekily asked him for an easy single. It was just a playful jab, not serious, but it showed the respect and friendliness between them, even in a high-stakes match.

When Sunil Gavaskar faced Joel Garner in the 1983 World Cup Finals

The time when Indian cricket came back on its feet was in the summer of 1983, during the final of the World Cup at Lord’s. India, considered the underdogs of the tournament, faced the mighty West Indies, a team that had already won the title twice. Not many believed India could pull off a win, but what followed changed the history of Indian cricket forever. As the 40th anniversary of that historic day was celebrated, the members of the 1983 World Cup-winning team gathered to share their memories of the event.

During a special event organised by the Adani Group, some of the players opened up about the emotional and humorous moments from that famous campaign. One such story was shared by Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s most respected batters. He recalled his experience in the final while facing Joel Garner, the tall West Indies fast bowler. Interestingly, both had played together in English county cricket and had even lived together for a short period. He said:

Mr. (Joel) Garner had been my flatmate when I had played for Somerset. So every ball has gone past my nose, I have not been able to touch the bat on the ball… As I went to the non-striker end. Garner is walking past me. Because I have shared a flat with him. I said to him – ‘Hey Bird how about one off the mark for your old flatmate.’ I was on zero. He said -‘No man! No freebies for you. This is the World Cup final.’ So that’s what happened. I didn’t get any freebie and got out for 2.

During the final, Gavaskar was having a hard time against Garner’s pace and bounce. He tried to strike up a friendly moment with him, hoping for some relief. However, Garner made it clear that friendship would not come in the way of competition. Gavaskar was soon dismissed for just 2 runs. It was a reminder that the match was intense, and even personal bonds were set aside on the field. Roger Binny, who ended the tournament as the top wicket-taker with 18 wickets, also reflected on the journey. He is now the president of the Indian cricket board.

Binny said the victory was the result of the team’s belief, focus, and hard work. He expressed confidence in the new generation of players and hoped that they would be inspired to achieve something just as special. Sandeep Patil, who played a vital role in the semifinal against England, shared an emotional memory. The match was played on June 22, which was also his late mother’s birthday. He remembered how she had asked him for just one thing: to win the World Cup. That thought stayed in his mind as he walked out to bat. He scored a quickfire half-century in that match, helping India secure a place in the final. Sandeep said:

It was my late mother’s birthday as well on the day of the semifinal. She told me that she had never asked for anything in her life from me, but wanted me to win the trophy. I told myself that no matter if it’s Bob Willis or his father (laughs), I was going to smash them.

Another key player, Mohinder Amarnath, recalled what happened after the team won the final. He wanted to take one of the stumps as a mark of the historic moment. But the stump was firmly stuck in the ground, and he could not remove it. Still, he said that the joy of winning the trophy was more than enough. The event was filled with laughter, nostalgia, and pride. Each story showed the emotions behind the triumph. It was not only about the cricketing skills, but also about the strength, unity, and motivation that pushed the team beyond expectations.

The 1983 World Cup win was a turning point for India. It gave hope to young cricketers, inspired millions of fans, and started a new chapter in the sport’s journey in the country. The players may have moved on from their playing days, but the memories of that victory remain as strong as ever. From the tough competition on the field to the promises made to family and the laughter among teammates, every moment from that campaign still lives on. It was the year when Indian cricket proved its strength and earned the respect of the world. The success at Lord’s in 1983 continues to remind everyone of what can be achieved with belief, courage, and unity.

1983 World Cup Finals: India vs West Indies

In the Big Finals of the 1983 Prudential World Cup on June 25 at Lord’s, London, India pulled off a huge upset by beating West Indies by 43 runs to win their first-ever World Cup. It was a low-scoring game, but India’s heart and smart bowling made all the difference against a strong West Indies team. India batted first after West Indies chose to bowl. Things started badly when Sunil Gavaskar got out for just 2 runs, caught by Jeff Dujon off Andy Roberts. Kris Srikkanth played a bold knock, scoring 38 runs off 57 balls with seven fours and a six before Malcolm Marshall got him lbw.

Mohinder Amarnath, who later became the Player of the Match, scored a steady 26 runs off 80 balls. Yashpal Sharma made 11, and Sandeep Patil hit a quick 27 off 29 balls, including a six. Kapil Dev, the captain, smashed 15 off just 8 balls, but India kept losing wickets. Madan Lal added 17, and Syed Kirmani scored 14, but the team was all out for 183 in 54.4 overs. West Indies’ bowlers were tough, with Andy Roberts taking 3 wickets for 32 runs, Malcolm Marshall grabbing 2 for 24, and Michael Holding picking up 2 for 26. Chasing 184, West Indies looked strong early on. Viv Richards came in and smashed 33 runs off 28 balls, hitting seven fours.

But India’s bowlers fought back hard. Balwinder Sandhu got Gordon Greenidge out for 1, and Madan Lal struck twice, dismissing Desmond Haynes for 13 and Richards. At 57/3, West Indies were in trouble. Roger Binny then got Clive Lloyd, the captain, for 8. The middle order struggled, with Larry Gomes (5) and Faoud Bacchus (8) falling quickly. Jeff Dujon tried to hold on with 25, and Malcolm Marshall scored 18, but Mohinder Amarnath’s tight bowling changed the game. He took 3 wickets for just 12 runs, including Marshall and Michael Holding (6).

Kapil Dev bowled well too, giving away only 21 runs and taking 1 wicket. Madan Lal also picked up 3 wickets for 31, and Sandhu took 2 for 32. West Indies were all out for 140 in 52 overs. India’s win was a massive moment. Mohinder Amarnath’s 26 runs and 3 wickets earned him the Player of the Match award. Kapil Dev’s leadership and the team’s never-give-up attitude stunned West Indies, who were the favourites. This victory in 1983 put India on the cricket map and inspired fans everywhere, showing they could beat the best.