"No Freebies For You": Sunil Gavaskar Recalls Interesting Chat With West Indies Star During 1983 World Cup Final
Legendary Indian cricket team batter Sunil Gavaskar recalled an interesting story from the 1983 World Cup final against West Indies. India defeated West Indies by 43 runs in the final at Lord's and this is the 40th anniversary of the legendary victory. The India team members from the final came together during Adani Group's launch of 'Jeetenge Hum' campaign at Adani Day on Saturday. Gavaskar spoke about the interaction he had with West Indies legend Joel Garner who was also his teammate at English county side Somerset and how Garner made it clear that he will not give him any freebies because of their friendship.
"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.
Roger Binny, the current Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief and the star all-rounder who ended up at the top of the wicket-taking charts of the tournament with 18 scalps, also said, "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!."
On the occasion, some of the players also recalled some of their favourite moments from the tournament.
Sandeep Patil, the all-rounder who had scored a