Perhaps the most intriguing performance in the 1983 Prudential World Cup has come from India. They made inglorious exits from the previous two World Cups, with a solitary win over East Africa in 1975 and experienced shock defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in the 1979 World Cup.

But the Indians turned the 1983 World Cup into an Indian summer. u00a0For no-hopers India have become a force to reckon with in this class of cricket. Knowledgeable critics believe this meteoric rise is due to one man — Kapil Dev Nikhanj. u00a0

Apart from his record-breaking 175 against Zimbabwe, the India skipper has exhibited qualities of leadership which should augur well for Indian cricket. He is a good influence on the fielders and bowlers. His enthusiasm is contagious. In an exclusive interview, Kapil Dev spelled out the reasons for India’s spectacular performance.