Balwinder Singh Sandhu
Balwinder Singh Sandhu has played only 8 Tests and 22 ODI’s for India. But he will always be remembered for the ball, in my opinion, that sparked the beginning of the end of the West Indian era in International cricket. It was the ball that got Gordon Greenidge out in the final of the 1983 Prudential World Cup. India had managed a meagre total of 183 and they needed early wickets to have any chance of winning the Cup and Sandhu did exactly that. Greenidge’s wicket triggered a collapse and West Indies were bundled off for 140 and underdogs India were crowned World Champions. The scar of that loss was difficult to erase and West Indies never reached a World Cup final after that.
Greenidge was looking shaky and had managed to score only 1 run of the 11 balls he had faced. It was the 12th ball he faced that would be etched in the memories of the Indian fans forever. It pitched outside the off stump and was shaping into the batsman. Greenidge, as most batsmen would, shouldered arms. The ball swung in viciously, more than the batsman had anticipated and knocked the top of off stump sparking off wild celebrations amongst fans and players alike. The great opener was left bedazzled and had to trot off in disappointment.
It wasn’t the greatest ball of all time, but in context to the situation, it definitely was the ball of the tournament. Some players become defined by one particular moment in their career and Sandhu will always be associated with that inswinger to Greenidge in the 1983 World Cup Final.
Tags: Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Cricket, Gordon Greenidge, ICC Cricket World Cup, India, International Cricket, Magic Ball, Prudential World Cup 1983, The Magic Ball
