Anilo Khing, Syed Kirmani and Aditya Iyer having a discussion during the White-Owl Literature Festival.
Players’ and Fans’ perspectives from Syed Kirmani and Aditya Iyer
Moa Jamir
Chümoukedima | February 17
Two Cricket World Cups, three decades apart, came alive on the opening day of the Penguin White Owl Literature Festival& Book Fair in Chümoukedima—one through the eyes of Syed Kirmani, a 1983 World Cup hero, and the other through the vivid storytelling of Aditya Iyer, capturing the electrifying passion of fans during the 2023 World Cup in Gully Gully.
The players’ perspective from the field and dressing room, as shared by Kirmani, and the fans’ chronicles from the stands and beyond, as noted by Iyer, offered varied insights into cricket’s evolution. Their discussion highlighted how the game has transitioned from 1983 to 2023, extending beyond the field to permeate the lives of millions.
However, the session hosted by the Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA), titled The 1983 Legacy: Cricket, Heroes, and India’s Obsession, was not just about nostalgic recounting of a historic win and its impact thereafter.
It was also interspersed with inspirational anecdotes and valuable insights, particularly for aspiring athlete, and also acknowledged the concerns of millions of fans who follow cricket with religious fervour.
Moderating the conversation was NCA Honorary Secretary Anilo Khing, who guided the duo in bringing out the varied perspectives.
Kirmani, known for his exceptional wicket-keeping skills, recounted his humble beginnings, revealing how his first “gloves” were bricks, used to stop the ball in childhood games. Reflecting on his journey since then, he underscored the importance of self-motivation, consistency, and hard work in achieving success.
“Consistency is the key to success, not only in cricket but in any walk of life,” said the author of the autobiography Stumped: Life Behind and Beyond the Twenty-Two Yards.
According to Kirmani, while many factors contribute to success, the foundation lies in the three D’s—determination, dedication, and discipline. Among them, he emphasised discipline and character-building, stating, “Discipline is what builds one’s character. And character takes you a very, very long way.”
He advised young cricketers to set high goals, learn from their idols, and never give up, even in the face of adversity.
“Don’t give up. If not this time, then the next time,” Kirmani said. “The best way to progress is to introspect. Talk to yourself every night for the betterment of the next day.”
Reflecting on the historic 1983 World Cup victory, Kirmani shared a poignant anecdote about Kapil Dev’s leadership. He recalled Dev saying, “I have seven seniors with me, and I don’t have to tell the seniors what their duties are. It’ll be nice if you all can guide me.” Kirmani described this as a powerful statement that removed egos and fostered a strong team spirit, crucial to their success.
He further recalled how Dev told the team they had “nothing to lose” and urged them to “put your best foot forward and go ahead. That’s all. Man of action.”
Addressing the challenge of facing the formidable West Indies bowlers, Kirmani emphasised the importance of mental fortitude.
“No fear, no panic. You have to face every situation in life with confidence,” he advised, recalling instances of fellow cricketers succumbing to fear and nervousness.
Quoting Mother Teresa, “Helping hands are better than the lips that pray,” Kirmani highlighted the importance of teamwork and mutual support. To this end, he urged players to learn from each other, share experiences, and encourage one another within the team.
“Never be jealous of another’s good performance. Learn from the best player in the team. Be a good leader. Be a good captain,” he advised.
Kirmani also recalled the ‘gentlemanly’ spirit displayed by the West Indies team after their defeat in the final.
‘They came with all the crates of champagne from their dressing room to celebrate India’s win. That’s great sportsmanship. That’s gentlemanliness,’ he remarked.
Terming India’s 1983 World Cup victory a turning point in the nation’s cricket history, Kirmani stated, “We played to keep the tricolour flying high, never for money.”
The 1983 victory, he said, instilled a newfound confidence in Indian cricketers, proving that they could compete on the world stage.
“I personally believe that India of today owes much to what happened at Lords in 1983.”
Meanwhile, Iyer shared insights into the unique fervour and passion of cricket fans in India, highlighting how the game transcends regional boundaries and unites people across the country.
“Cricket unites everyone, and hosting a major tournament like the 50-over World Cup still holds immense significance. With India as the host, the game’s soul was here, and everyone reacted to it differently,” he observed, recalling the 2023 World Cup.
Iyer noted that fan experiences varied across different regions—from the knowledgeable crowd at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium to the more hardcore passionate fans in the North.
Reflecting on regional differences, he recalled how the reception of Pakistan’s team differed across cities. While they were not welcomed in Ahmedabad, jerseys of Pakistani players lined the streets of Chennai.
“So it changes from place to place, and every single place is different,” the Gully Gully author noted.
He also emphasised that cricket in India thrives because of its passionate fans, who remain dedicated despite poor stadium conditions, ticketing hassles, and even security issues like lathi charges.
To this end, he underscored the importance of recognising the contributions of fans, who often go unnoticed despite their unwavering support.
‘This was one of the main objectives of my book—giving voices to passionate fans and providing a glimpse into their unique experiences during the World Cup,’ he added.
From Malcolm Marshall to Vivian Richards, from MS Dhoni to Rishabh Pant, and from the passionate fans in gullies to Sarvanand Hari and a ‘bootlegger,’ the discussion vividly captured the nation’s deep obsession with the game.
The White-Owl Literature Festival and Book Fair at the Zone Niathu by the Park, Chümoukedima concludes on February 19.
