"The starting point of India as a cricket superpower"- Twitterati reacts on 40th anniversary of Team India's first ODI World Cup victory

Fans and members of the cricket fraternity reminisced about Team India's first ODI World Cup victory on its 40th anniversary. The Kapil Dev-led side beat West Indies in the final of the 1983 World Cup at the Lord's to become World Champions for the first time.

It is one of the most iconic and influential moments in Indian cricket history. After the monumental victory, the sport's popularity grew exponentially in India.

The star-studded West Indies side were favorites heading into the showpiece event, as they were the winners in the first two editions, 1975 and 1979. The Caribbean side managed to live up to the expectations by reaching the finals. Their opponents in the summit clash, Team India, were considered underdogs.

The Indian side, under then 24-year-old all-rounder Kapil Dev managed to beat the odds and reach the finals to set up a date with West Indies. The Caribbean skipper Clive Lloyd won the toss and opted to bowl first in the contest.

Led by Andy Roberts, West Indies bowlers managed to bundle out Team India for 183 in 54.4 overs. Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, and Larry Gomes scalped two wickets apiece, while Roberts picked up three wickets. Opener Srikkanth (38) top-scored for the subcontinental side, while a couple of others chipped in with mini-contributions.

Mohinder Amarnath (3/12), Madan Lal (3/31), and Balwinder Sandhu (2/31) bowled wonderfully and skittled out West Indies for 140 in 52 overs. Sir Viv Richards (33 off 28 balls) looked in great touch until Kapil Dev's magnificent catch ended his stay at the crease. West Indies' batting unit crumbled after his departure and surrendered to a spirited Indian bowling attack.

On Sunday, Indian cricket fans recollected the iconic moment which occurred on June 25 in 1983. They reflected on the triumph and shared special posts on Twitter to commemorate it. Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter:

40 years ago. A day etched in everyone's memories. I thank all my colleagues for making it happen 🙏🇮🇳 @ICC @BCCI @cricketworldcup #1983WorldCup https://t.co/qwJW5Sb7YW

They did it first! 🏆

A team of legends who defied expectations with their courage and conviction.

Congratulations on #40Years to that great day and thank you for an unforgettable journey that paved the way for countless dreams.

#1983WorldCup 🇮🇳 @BCCI https://t.co/lbxh9qVUP7

It always seems impossible, until it's done! 🏆 This moment changed the game in India, it made us believe we could be the best 🙌🏽 🇮🇳 #1983WorldCup #OnThisDay https://t.co/5KeKAbO8Cm

#OnThisDay in 1983, India lifted the Cricket World Cup for the first time, etching the name in golden letters! A monumental triumph that ignited a cricketing revolution and forever changed the course of Indian cricket. #1983WorldCup @BCCI https://t.co/Ru6wDkHWg8

40 years ago today, #TeamIndia scripted a fairytale victory in the 1983 World Cup, defying all the odds!! A triumph that not only brought glory to our nation but also ignited a cricketing revolution! Forever grateful to the heroes who made it possible! 😊🙏🏾 #1983WorldCup https://t.co/Spcdjk1WtZ

From WA today!
40th anniversary of the 83 World Cup win. The team gets together to celebrate. #1983worldcup #Nostalgia #DreamMatch https://t.co/2GJdqq48OX

#1983WorldCup - The First Trophy is always a special one!! https://t.co/OpE4ZzwKnD

#40years back, a fearless team of legends created history with an epic win. They smashed boundaries, fueled dreams, and motivated generations. A big salute to the champions of the #1983WorldCup for their grit and determination. Thank you for leaving behind an everlasting legacy… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… https://t.co/mNBFj4MoaI

#OnThisDay we won our 1st ODI #WorldCup
Congratulations again & again to entire team of #1983WorldCup #TeamIndia
@BCCI @therealkapildev @RaviShastriOfc https://t.co/u0d1sNDcOY

On this day in #1983WorldCup, @therealkapildev and his India side made history, as they won the @ICC #CricketWorldCup for the first time. @BCCI https://t.co/GaaCldHJ5m

An iconic win. A historic moment for India. 40 years to this memorable day!

Celebrating 40 years of the 1983 cricket World Cup win for #TeamIndia 🇮🇳 #1983WorldCup #KapilDev https://t.co/PkKZvGHVIh

It's been 40 years since India won the World Cup for the first time! 25 June 1983 was a defining moment that changed Indian cricket as well as my life forever.
#1983WorldCup #TeamIndia https://t.co/jSNXLgYDFn

Kapil Dev's brilliant catch while running back, Amarnath's fast bowling and that golden opportunity to create world history, on this day in 1983, the Indian team won the World Cup by defeating the invincible West Indies.
#1983WorldCup https://t.co/8Vioa3UJJz

40 years for India's 🇮🇳
First world cup🏆
#1983WorldCup https://t.co/Z6Thkow8UY

It's been 40 years of India Winning it's First World Cup 🏆

A Trophy which gave India world wide recognition that we are champions 💥

#1983WorldCup #KapilDev #India https://t.co/nnlqE6TokO

#1983worldcup Supremacy 😍❤️‍🔥 https://t.co/ND7OrgTMrF

The 1983 Cricket World Cup was a David vs. Goliath story. India was the underdog, but they played with passion and determination and ultimately emerged victorious.

This victory is a reminder that anything is possible if you believe in yourself. #1983WorldCup https://t.co/zS3IMzA9aN

A watershed moment for Indian cricket! 🇮🇳🏆 #1983WorldCup

https://t.co/NCLxviMI9b

40 years today!!
Remembering the heroes and their team effort that led India to lift the World Cup in 1983

openinapp.co/doxgf https://t.co/f4xVyjzHXd

25th June, 1983 - 40 years since that landmark day when Kapil Paaji and his boys won India the World Cup and it inspired an entire generation of youth to take up Cricket and was an instrumental moment in making Cricket what it is in India. #WorldCup https://t.co/aPcRLAFAMU

25th June 1983

40 years since the epic world cup win for Team India!

That unforgettable moment when Mohinder Amarnath ji took that last wicket. https://t.co/HE4sq4PF3x

The catch that changed Indian Cricket forever. Kapil Paaji with that catch of Viv Richards and with his team of great contributors and a passionate dream led India to World Cup glory. What a day ! https://t.co/RpgcQ2k0fa

40 years to India winning the World Cup for the first time! 25th June, 1983 was one of the defining moments that changed Indian cricket as well as my life forever. Paying tribute to all the members of that champion team. https://t.co/ges194UAX1

40 years of India’s first Cricket World Cup win 🎖️

25th June 1983 - the starting point of India as a cricket superpower🔥

Kapil Dev’s speech after winning the 🏆

#WorldCup1983 #TwitterCricket

https://t.co/yNjU2V1xI8

Do you think Team India can win their third ODI World Cup later this year? Sound off your opinions in the comments section.