'World Cup champs inspired me to take up proper cricket'

Heroics of the 1983 World Cup-winning Kapils Devils inspired him to take up to playing cricket in proper manner, said Sachin Tendulkar at a function in Mumbai.

Heroics of the 1983 World Cup-winning Kapils Devils inspired him to take up to playing cricket in proper manner, said Sachin Tendulkar at a function in Mumbai.

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"I was inspired to take up playing the game with the season (hard) ball after the 1983 World Cup victory. Had it not happened things could have been different for me," said the champion batsman last evening at the MIG Cricket Clubs felicitation function for five triumphant of the 1983 World Cup-winning side.

"I have fond memories of that victory. I was just ten years old when they won the World Cup and I did not even know at that time there were eleven players in the team. It was truly an incredible experience. I also celebrated the victory till late in the night that day (June 25) after getting permission from my parents," the champion batsman said.

"That generation of cricketers was instrumental in inspiring youngsters to take up cricket," pointed out Tendulkar who was the chief guest at the ceremony.

Tendulkar also fondly remembered the many afternoons he had spent at the MIG ground in its infancy and pointed out that his son Arjun was following his footsteps now.