For a country that was still finding its feet in international cricket, India sent shockwaves across the cricketing world by beating much-favoured West Indies in the final to win the coveted World Cup trophy in 1983. The win by Kapil Dev-led brigade didn't just bring the World Cup home, but also paved way for a foundation that eventually made India a cricketing powerhouse.

Indian cricket, over the years, has witnessed numerous laurels being won by different generation of players. Whether it was the 2007 World T20 triumph or the 2011 World Cup victory, the Indian cricket team has given their fans numerous reasons to cheer for. There are multiple memorable games that still stay close to the hearts of a billion fans.

The tales of those unforgettable triumphs and moments are still cherished as folklore by fans. But, the secrets behind the turn of events or decisions of players still remain a mystery. But, not anymore (at least for the following five matches).

The Golden Idea

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The 2002 NatWest Series final between India and England remains one of the most talked about ODI games in the history of cricket. Chasing 325 runs, India, despite struggling at 146/5, pulled off a memorable win - all thanks to young Yuvraj Singh (69) and Mohammad Kaif (87). While both Yuvi and Kaif played their part, the latter was initially not expected to bat the way he did.

During India's chase, as the run-rate started going up, Sourav Ganguly screamed at Kaif from the balcony and asked him to give more strike to big-hitting Yuvraj. But, ignoring Dada's instructions, Kaif clobbered a massive six on the very next ball to prove his batting capabilities. After that moment, Ganguly stopped giving instructions to the pair.

"I remember Dada was screaming 'take a single, take a single, give the strike to Yuvraj'. I got a short ball on the next ball. I had a knack of hitting pull shot on short deliveries at the time, so I smacked a pull shot and it went for a six," 

Kaif had revealed in a Instagram Live chat with Yuvi. 

"What did you do afterward you hit a six? You came to me, gave me a punch and said ‘Hum bhi khelne aaye hain!’ (both laugh). Dada went quiet after that. He realized Kaif can also hit sixes,” 

Yuvi further added to the episode.

The Angry God

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The 1999 Test series between India and Australia had brought two of the biggest superstars in a much-anticipated face-off. While Tendulkar was leading the batting charge for India, Glenn McGrath had already claimed his status amongst the greatest bowlers of all time. While the competition between the two remained interesting, things got a little too exciting in the Adelaide Test.

During the first innings, with barely 40 minutes left in first day's play, McGrath and his teammates hatched a plan to frustrate Tendulkar by bowling outside the off-stump. 

"That was their strategy...'let's frustrate Sachin, 70 per cent of the ball should go to (wicket-keeper) Adam Gilchrist and 10 per cent close to his bat. If he plays or chases deliveries outside the off-stump we have succeeded', 

Tendulkar told TOI.

"So I kept leaving as many deliveries as possible. There were some good deliveries where I was beaten as well. But I said 'well bowled and now go back and bowl again as I am still here. I thought this evening I am patient but tomorrow morning I am gonna play the way I want. You won't control how I want to play but I would control where you are going to bowl," 

Tendulkar said. And, next morning, the Indian batting great hammered McGrath all around the park.

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