Tahir Raj Bhasin pens an open letter to Team 83 on the 40th anniversary of the historic 1983 World Cup win

Tahir Raj Bhasin essayed the role of Sunil Gavaskar in the Kabir Khan film that recreated the historic win of India with Ranveer Singh as Kapil Dev.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

June 25, 2023 - 12:14 PM IST

Tahir Raj Bhasin, who was recently seen in Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhen and Looop Lapeta, has penned down an open letter for the Team 83 as a mark of respect for the historic World Cup win. It was on June 25, 1983 when Kapil Dev and his team lead India to victory and scripted history by lifting the first cricket World Cup. Readers would be aware that the actor played a key role in the Ranveer Singh starrer which recreated the iconic match and was directed by Kabir Khan.

Tahir Raj Bhasin pens an open letter to Team 83 on the 40th anniversary of the historic 1983 World Cup win

On its 40th anniversary, Tahir, who played the character of Sunil Gavaskar in Kabir Khan’s 83, took this opportunity to express his gratitude to the team for their indelible contribution to the world of cricket and for inspiring millions with their never give up attitude. Along with the open letter, he also posted a glimpse from the critically acclaimed film. In the note he said, “Dear Team 83, Today marks 40 years since India witnessed a thumping victory at Lords, England. It was 40 years ago, on this very day - 25th June, 1983, when the team lifted the legendary trophy, and lead India to glory, with its first ever World Cup win! With that historic victory, you sparked ambition and inspiration in me and millions of Indians and gave wings to countless hopes. Amidst the challenges that an emerging democratic nation was braving while dealing with multiple issues like a fledgling economy and political upheavals, your win assured us that we could make the impossible happen.”

He continued, “For a team that was no where in contention for the trophy, India surpassed expectations and truly stunned the spectators with their performance against formidable teams. It was the consistent effort and self-belief of each one of you, that silenced your detractors and has gone on to inspire the next generation of cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and M.S. Dhoni amongst others.”

“While millions of Indians got a chance to watch and hear about team India's unprecedented victory at the 1983 World Cup, I am one of the blessed ones to have got an opportunity to showcase the historic win, on the silver screen. It was an absolute honour to be a part of 83 - a film that celebrates self belief and the triumph of the human grit. To hear stories and experiences from the sporting legends that most of us have idolised growing up, and to relive a part of history, has been extraordinary. The sheer nostalgia that our set was filled with, while we recreated the journey of the history-defining team is extremely special and will remain etched in my memory forever”.

“Even after 40 years, this Indian win of the cricket world cup remains an inspiration and I thank each one of you for your unmatched contribution. India's resounding success in tournaments after 1983 is a testament to the prophetic words of Clive Lloyd after the final match in 1983 - Indian cricket has arrived and it is here to stay!,” he concluded the note.