'No Freebies For You': Sunil Gavaskar Recalls Interesting Chat With West Indies Pacer During 1983 World Cup Final

Sunil Gavaskar may have only made 2 runs but India went on to beat West Indies by 43 runs in the 1983 World Cup final.

Sunil Gavaskar (R) speaks of his memory of the 1983 World Cup final. Mohinder Amarnath sits beside him. ( Image Source :Screengrab From Video On Youtube/Adani Group )

India's batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has shared an interesting anecdote from the team's 1983 World Cup final against West Indies. Notably, the team had scripted a historic win as India had won their first-ever world title. The win had come 40 years ago on this very date (25 June, 1983) and as the country celebrates the anniversary of that victory, the members of that victorious Indian side got together during Adani Group's launch of 'Jeetenge Hum' campaign at Adani Day on Saturday.

The ex-India opener shared an interesting anecdote which happened during the titular contest. He revealed the interaction he had with the legendary West Indies pacer Joel Garner while he was batting. Interestingly, Gavaskar had been his roommate when the two played for the same county side Somerset. 

"Mr. (Joel) Garner had been my flatmate when I had played for Somerset. So every ball has gone past my nose, I has not been able to touch bat on ball... As I went to the non-striker end. Garner is walking past me. Because I have shared a flat with him. I said to him - 'Hey Bird how about one off the mark for your old flatmate.' I was on zero. He said -'No man! No freebies for  you. This is the World Cup final.' So that's what happened. I didn't get any freebie and got out for 2," said Gavaskar at the event.

The current President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Roger Binny was also part of that team and in fact was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament. He ended the competition with 18 wickets to his credit. He was also part of the event and backed the current lot of players to win another World Cup. 

"Being part of the 1983 World Cup-winning team was an incredible journey filled with determination and team spirit. Together, we believe in the potential of our current players to bring back the coveted trophy. Let's unite as fans and inspire them to create history," he said .