Mumbai: Sir Richard John Hadlee, who is regarded as one of the greatest cricket all-rounders, was so inspired after seeing the Kabir Khan film '83' on an OTT platform that he got in touch, after years, on email with Kapil Dev, who captained the Indian team that returned home with the World Cup in 1983.
"Hi Kaps!" wrote Sir Richard to Kapil Dev, who, incidentally, bested the New Zealander's then record wicket haul of 431 to take the World No. 1 spot briefly. "It has been many years since we have seen or heard from each other. I have just finished watching '83' on Netflix and I was inspired to contact you," Sir Richard continued.
"I really enjoyed the movie and [am] reliving the 1983 World Cup. It was a very inspirational movie and a story that warmed my heart," said the New Zealander, who played his last World Cup in 1983 after being India's nemesis in 1975 and 1979.
Sir Richard, incidentally, did not represent his country in the 1987 World Cup because he said he did not relish playing in India.
In his email, Sir Richard mentioned that the film gave him a deeper insight into Kapil Dev as a person and "how you motivated your team through your words and deeds on the field." He added: "Without even checking the record books I remember your marvellous innings against Zimbabwe (and your score) and the low team scores in the final, and how the team [India] lifted themselves to defeat the Windies."
Also watch: