Indian Dream TeamCalcutta: The country hasn’t slept since a repeat of India’s 1983 World Cup glory at the Wankhede on Saturday. Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men won the ICC silverware for the second time beating Sri Lanka in the World Cup final. The Indian captain fulfilled a million dreams and the ensuing frenzy has been a unified sound of pure joy.
The Telegraph caught up with some eminent sportspersons from the city, who have represented India in various disciplines. Here’s what they have to say about the great Indian victory (alphabetically):
PK Banerjee
It will inspire the youngsters. But the 1983 win was also fantastic. I distinctly remember Kapil Dev’s brilliant catch to dismiss Vivian Richards. It was something unbelievable.
Dhoni has proved that unlike others he is not short-tempered… He proved a point. He silenced his critics. Nothings succeeds like success. He also has a stroke of luck.
Bhaichung Bhutia
It was a complete team effort and I feel this is the best Indian cricket team ever. The batsmen nicely complemented the bowlers and fielding was excellent. I am sure this team will go the distance.
He is simply Captain Cool... The confidence he showed Saturday was exemplary. He is always cool and confident and his body language is excellent. It is his belief in his and the team’s capabilities that is helping the side. The final was an apt example of his leadership qualities.
Devang Gandhi
Finally we did it. It was a great effort. We were favourites and one of the top two or three contenders. Just to survive the hype and go through the league and win crucial knockouts, exemplifies their determination and commitment. They have shown immense self-confidence in themselves.
He is a leader par excellence. The way he said after the match that he ‘would have been questioned if India had not won’ required a lot of courage. I doubt any captain can do it. After all, they created a history by becoming the first home side to win the World Cup. His emotion-management was superb and it speaks volumes about his composure.
Chuni Goswami
Like all other Indians, I am also proud of this fantastic feat of the Indian cricket team. This victory will inspire all sportsmen, no matter which discipline they are in. We should be especially grateful to coach Gary Kirsten and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Dhoni, from the day he took over as captain, transformed the team into a big, happy family. He is always cool and composed and his calmness makes a huge difference on the field. His move to come ahead of Yuvraj Singh, Saturday, turned out to be a masterstroke.
Naresh Kumar
The World Cup victory is far more significant than it seems. It has brought us pride and, most importantly, it has shown the importance of having a good sporting culture, which was hitherto not thought of.
No body could have done it better than Dhoni. He is a great leader and has done exceedingly well to gel the team together. He is bold and takes up challenges. Dhoni has tremendous application and concentration. The way he fought on despite pain, towards the latter part of his innings, shows his perseverance.
Ashok Malhotra
We are proud of the Indian team winning the World Cup after 28 years. It is one of the happiest moments for millions of people in the country. It was the first time that we were favourites in the tournament and they kept that tag intact. Dhoni once again showed he is the man with the Midas touch and we had Sachin Tendulkar who was brilliant throughout.
He won us the T20 World Cup and now the 50-over World Cup. He is simply a class apart. India have had successful captains in the past, but none like Dhoni. He has his own way of doing things. It might not please all, but at the end of the day, nothing is sweeter than success. He is street smart and a thinking captain.
Jaidip Mukerjea
To win a World Cup is a fantastic feeling. From now on, we will be a force to reckon with. This World Cup victory will give huge encouragement to Indian sports. It is a watershed moment and let’s hope Indian sports as a whole flourishes from here on.
He’s a fantastic leader and doesn’t panic which is the most important quality of leadership. He was instinctive to use three pacers in Mohali though the wicket started taking turn early. But Dhoni kept his calm and rotated the bowlers cleverly to get the desired result. Even on Saturday, he promoted himself above Yuvraj Singh. The move clicked… But more than that he showed the willingness to lead from the front. He is the best Indian cricket captain for me, at least.
Syed Nayeemuddin
It is perhaps the greatest achievement in Indian sports after the 1983 World Cup victory. It is the sacrifice and hard work of the players that bore fruit on Saturday. There is excellent communication in the team and the way the players carried themselves on the field was simply amazing.
He is a dynamic leader who is full of right decisions. Dhoni is not afraid to take risks and we saw how he conducted himself and the team on the field Saturday. His innings was full of grit. We have plenty to learn from Dhoni and the Indian team.
Gurbux Singh
There are few team sports in India, at the moment, where India can think of being the World Champions. We once did it in hockey, we did it in cricket in 1983 and we did it again Saturday. I am sure this achievement will bring other sports into focus. He is a rare specimen. The true quality of a leader is to perform under pressure.
After (Gautam) Gambhir got out, he took the responsibility to see India through. That’s some commitment… Every player in that team should take pride in his achievement… They are the world champions.
