The Sunny Spot of '83........

What do you recall when asked about '83? Obviously, the golden day when the Indian underdogs pounced on the mighty West Indies, not only to carve their claim world cup but also to stop the rampant run of the erstwhile giants.

But today I, rather taking a detour from much celebrated victory, I am going to talk about a different story. Something that took place months later after the the fabled day at the home of cricket, this is a story which was witnessed on the Indian home soil.

Moving back, about 38 years in the past, this story dates back to Dec 26, 1983 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. The sixth and the last match of the Test Series, which the Windians had won 3-0 and taken their revenge, was in progress. Something unseen but much awaited was keeping the fans on their toes waiting for the Indians to bat. But the coin flipped in Sir Viv Richards side and much rightly so, he elected to bat. But by the fierce bowling by the Indian skipper Kapil Dev with support from the left arm spinner Maninder Singh, the West Indians were bundled for 313. 

313 doesn't seem a huge score now a days, but in that era it was a mountain to be climbed. Adding to India's  woes opener Anshuman Gaekwad and following him the stalwart Dilip Vengsarkar  were sent home by the fierce pace of Malcom Marshal and astute fielding of Roger Harper on ducks. Then walked in the fan favorite and much celebrated little master, Sunnyji.

Swing the bat in his right arm, the man with a small stature but great class, came the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. Trying to escape the fury of the West Indian quicks, who now are seen only in the commentary box, and also take some pressure off  Kapil's deputy had demoted himself to No.4. This was never seen before now would have been seen ever again, which rose the anticipation of the fans while took the West Indians for a surprise.

As Gavaskar walked past Sir Viv, Richards trying to ease himself and put the new batsman on backfoot, taunted - "Man, it doesn't matter where you come in to bat, the score is still zero" in the peculiar Windian accent. To be honest, what he said was absolutely true, but sticking to his attitude Sunil Gavaskar gave him a wide smile and settled in at the crease.

Then he showed the world how to react to any form of sledging by setting the right temperament. Looking steady from the first delivery itself, Sunny played a few balls and then unleashed his wrath on what he tried to elude, the West Indian spearheads. Not looking uncomfortable at any instance he scored a magnificent 236 off 425 deliveries with a tally of 24 boundaries! As the cherry on the cake he remained not out, and left the bowlers answerless. If the innings would not have been declared it looked like the little master would have reached his maiden triple ton with ease.

Later on the match was drawn and India lost the series, but Sunil Gavaskar won the MoM award and Kapil Dev bagged the MoS awards which were quite enough for the Indians to cherish.

Sledging has always been part and parcel of the game. Firstly the Aussies and then all the teams have adopted this culture, bringing a healthy rivalry and increasing the intensity of the game! But what matters is how you reply after being sledged and I feel Indians have always showed how to rise and shine and create history after facing some hammering on field, be it Yuvi paji , Chetan Sharma or Sunnyji.

Do you think some sledging brought the best out of the Little Master? Is sledging a necessity? Do let me know in the comment and follow for more and more of such awesome content!

                                                                                                                                       -Shounak Kulkarni