There are some moments that are etched in people’s memories forever. And if you are Sachin Tendulkar, 1983 was especially special. I have had the privilege of discussing the World Cup triumph and its significance with Sachin multiple times during the writing of Playing it My Way, and while shooting Sachin: A Billion Dreams. And almost every year, on June 25, Sachin has posted his thoughts on the win on his social-media handles. For the master, 1983 is hugely important.
“June 25, 1983 was a day Indian cricket changed forever,” Sachin had said while filming the documentary. “I remember watching the fall of every wicket and feeling a tremendous sense of pride in doing so. Till then, I used to play cricket for fun. It was more a pastime and I loved it. But after watching the 1983 World Cup final, I started playing cricket with a purpose. I wanted to win the World Cup as well, and watching the final had instilled the dream in me. I am fortunate I was able to do so 28 years later.
“I remember the celebrations. It was as if the entire city was in a festive mood. It had brought the whole country together. You could see joy written on people’s faces. That’s what sport can do, and that’s what inspired me to play cricket seriously. I decided to pursue my dream with passion and as I have said on many occasions – if you work the hardest, dreams do come true.”
Sachin: A Billion Dreams shows a young Sachin watching the 1983 final and celebrating like everyone else, and telling his brother Ajit that he too wanted to win the World Cup one day. He did and left an indelible mark on the sport he loved, a love ignited by the heroes of 1983.