New Delhi: Sunil Valson was the only squad member not to play a game in India’s historic World Cup triumph in 1983 but a strong sense of belonging is definitely there.
He is a rare former cricketer, who is not stuck in a time-warp and is always ready to crack a joke or two at his own expense. No wonder when he received a call just 12 days before the World Cup opener in England, he knew the reason.
So does it hurt that you were the only player among 14, who was not played in that World Cup?
“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,” said the former left-arm pacer, who perhaps was one of the quickest Indian bowlers of his time. Valson was playing in England when he got the call of his World Cup selection.
However he did play the two warm-up games at the start against Australia and minor counties. Didn’t even get one hint from skipper Kapil Dev that he could play at least one game.
“Yes there was one game. The second round robin game against West Indies which we lost (by 66 runs). I don’t remember the ground (Oval).” “If I remember correctly Roger was having some niggle –hamstring or calf, I can’t recollect now. Kapil had said if Roger failed fitness Test, I would play. Who isn’t excited at the whiff of an opportunity,” said Valson. But as luck would have it, Binny reported fit. “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.” He added. (PTI)
