Madan Lal, India’s lion-hearted all-rounder from the 1983 triumph, felt that there was little point in talking about the pressure on India as they go into the ICC World final against Australia on Sunday, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. “Players ko koi farak naheen padta, ek lakh log chilayyen [It doesn’t matter to the players if a hundred thousand people are screaming],” he told RevSportz in an exclusive interview. “Unko pataa hai, focused rehna hai [They know they have to stay focussed].”
India have won each of their 10 matches in the tournament, but that will count for little against an Australian side that have also won eight on the bounce. “Let’s look at it this way –
a 10/10 record till now is great, but it means nothing when you go into the final,” said Madan, who took the key wicket of Viv Richards in that 1983 final. “They are fully focussed only on the match. This Indian team is in a great mental space and relaxed. People must understand these are professional cricketers on a mission.”
Though everything from training methods to recovery to media scrutiny is vastly different now, Madan reckoned there would not be too much difference in the way Rohit Sharma’s boys approached such a big game. “In 1983, we went about our business as usual,” he said. “We had regular practice sessions, there were team meetings and the team ate meals at same time. It must be pretty much the same now as well.
“Rohit Sharma and all the team members are aware of the big moment and will prepare for it in the best way. I have watched their progress in the World Cup closely. What they did till now should not to be thought of. Jo ho gaya, woh ho gayaa. Final ka tayarri mein lage huen hain khiladi [What’s done is done. The players will now be preparing for the final].”
Asked to draw parallels between 1983, 2003 and 2023, Madan chuckled. “History padh ke kuch naheen hona [Nothing will happen from reading history],” he said. “We have to realise that around 45 players, privileged ones, were part of the three big campaigns. That is a big privilege. Players are well aware how to shut themselves away from outside chatter and banter. This Is a very big moment, and they will channel all their energy in staying positive. They will focus on good training sessions and bonding. I am glad the team is extremely fit and doing the right things.”
Asked about the biggest difference between now and 40 years ago, Madan’s thought process was crystal clear. “At that time, we knew media reporters were there,” he said. “Today, if you ask me about how social media matters, these players do not even handle all this. Each player has his agent to take care of these activities. If players worried about social media, what would happen to their cricket? From outside, it may appear to the fans that cricketers are busy with social media. But no, right now, every hour is spent on cricket and the big day is not far away.”
As for Australia being in the final, Madan felt that they were lucky. But in his eyes, Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s captain, was to blame. “Woh fit he naheeen tha [He was not fit],” said Madan. “Itna bada match desh ke liye khel rahe ho, fit naheen to mat khelo yaar [You’re playing such a big match for your country. If you’re not fit, don’t play]. His captaincy, field placing – all were bad. I think Australia are fortunate they are in the final, but they are hardcore professionals. They will also prepare their best for the final, so India have to be at their best.”
Asked about 1,00,000-plus fans who will be present to cheer Team India – including Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister, Anurag Thakur, the sports minister and the crème de la crème of Bollywood – Madan said it wou make no different to the team. “Once you are on the field, every action will count,” he said. “It’s good that VIPs will be there, but for our cricketers it is a big chance. One misfield will also be criticised. Players ko jaan lagana hai maidan me. Kaun ayegaa ya jayega, pharak naheen padta [Players have to give everything they have on the field. Whoever comes and goes makes no difference].”
In that long-ago final, India defended a total of just 183. “Yes, that total was less, but we played with spirit and tried,” said Madan looking back. “When the rival side loses five wickets, even 183 looks a big score to chase. We had belief, and this team under Rohit Sharma also has great belief. They will give their 100 per cent in the match, and that is what will matter. If you are going to ask me to make predictions, all I can say is India have to play the way they have till now.”