Had India not won the 1983 cricket Cup World, the game may have missed Sachin Tendulkar, the batting maestro has revealed.
Tendulkar said that he was inspired by the feat of Kapil Dev and his team and decided to take up the game seriously.
"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 on Friday evening at the MIG Cricket Clubs felicitation function for five members of the 1983 World Cup-winning side.
"I have fond memories of that victory. I was just 10 years old when they won the World Cup and I did not even know at that time there were 11 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," he said.
"That generation of cricketers was instrumental in inspiring youngsters to take up cricket," Tendulkar, who was the chief guest at the ceremony, said.
Tendulkar also fondly remembered the many afternoons he spent at the MIG ground in its infancy and pointed out that his son Arjun was following his footsteps now.
"I have spent many afternoons at this ground. There was just a shed in those days (acting as dressing room). I congratulate the club members for the top facilities it has now. My son Arjun now comes here to practice," Tendulkar revealed.
Tendulkar's parental house is situated just a stone's throw away from the club. He moved to his uncle's place in Shivaji Park, the cricket hub of Mumbai, to hone his cricket skills as a student of Shardashram school.
One of the team members who was honoured at the function, former captain and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar, had a dig at current day players for switching their loyalty from one club to another at the drop of a hat.
"I have seen players switching clubs to join those which they feel have good relationship with the Mumbai Cricket Association. They are weak hearted. I want players with strong heart to play for Mumbai. I congratulate MIG Club for winning the Kanga League 'A' Divison title even after losing several of its players," he said.
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