The Indian cricket team has been a powerhouse, especially in the limited-overs format, for close to half a century. India’s dominance is bolstered by their triumphs in the One-Day International (ODI) World Cup, not once but twice!
The ODI World Cup was first held in 1975 and India have been part of all 13 editions to date. The cricket tournament is staged every four years and is now played in the 50-over format.
How many times have India won the ODI World Cup
India have won the ODI World Cup two times. The first win came in 1983 when India beat the West Indies in the final. It took close to three decades for India to win the second ODI World Cup after they defeated Sri Lanka in the final in 2011.
The 1975 ODI World Cup in England, which was played in the 60-over format, was India’s maiden appearance at the global showpiece. The Indian cricket team, led by Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan, crashed out in the first round, with two losses and a win.
India’s first-ever match at the ODI World Cup was played against England at Lord’s on June 7. Sunil Gavaskar batted throughout the innings but scored just 36 runs off 174 balls.
The next edition in 1979, also played in England, did not change India’s fortunes. The team exited the tournament in the first round again after losing all three group stage matches.
The Indian cricket team won the ODI World Cup for the first time in 1983. Kapil Dev was the captain and played a pivotal role in the campaign in England.
India were placed in Group B with defending champions West Indies, Australia and Zimbabwe. The Indian cricket team won four matches and lost two to make it past the first round for the first time in an ODI World Cup.
The Indian side defeated hosts England by six wickets in the semi-final at Old Trafford in Manchester to set up the final against West Indies.
India could only score 183 runs batting first in the 1983 World Cup fina but a disciplined bowling effort skittled the West Indies for just 140 runs and gave India their first ODI World Cup trophy at hallowed Lord’s in London.
Mohinder Amarnath was named Player of the Match in the final for taking three wickets and scoring 26 runs. Roger Binny of India ended as the highest wicket-taker of the edition with 18 wickets.