Mohinder ‘Jimmy’ Amarnath, hero of India’s first-ever cricket World Cup win, in 1983, and a former chairman of the national selection committee, spoke to The Telegraph on Saturday afternoon.

While Mohinder’s performances in edition No.3 of the World Cup (first to be adjudged MoM in the semi-final and the final) haven’t been forgotten, massive were his contributions in 11 back-to-back Tests in Pakistan and in the West Indies, in the 1982-1983 season.

Facing some of the all-time great fast bowlers, from Imran Khan to Michael Holding, Sarfraz Nawaz to Malcolm Marshall, Mohinder amassed close to 1200 runs. Included were five hundreds.

Surely, that says much about Mohinder’s class. As the late Lala Amarnath would say ‘Mera Jimmy... Beta kiska hai’!

Courageous and outspoken, the 68-year-old Mohinder is currently in London on a personal visit.

Excerpts...

Q It’s the 36th anniversary of the superb semi-final win over England, which took India to a World Cup final for the first time... Do you remember dates?

A (Laughs) I do remember June 25, the date we dethroned the West Indies to take the World Cup, but not June 22... Thank you for reminding.

Q Don’t think I have to remind you that you were the MoM in the semi-final — and in the final, at Lord’s...

A While I was the MoM in the two biggest matches, it was actually a superb team effort in the semi-final and the final... To talk of the semi-final, at Old Trafford, openers Graeme Fowler and Chris Tavare began very well and we thought they would reach a big total. As it happened, England got out for 213 and we got past them with over five overs to spare... Yashpal Sharma and I had a good partnership (92 for the third wicket) and, then, Sandeep Patil also contributed significantly.

Q Today, what do you remember the most about June 25, the most iconic date in India’s cricket history?

A That the World Cup and the champagne was ours! As I’ve said, it was a team effort, with many individuals contributing at key moments... Roger Binny, I feel, was the unsung hero for India. He emerged the most successful wicket-taker (18), effecting dismissals whenever required.

Q Was the second match against Zimbabwe, in Tunbridge Wells, the most defining for India in the lead-up to the final?

A Well, that was important, but so was the second match against Australia, in Chelmsford. We needed to win and did so.

Q Some words on Kapil Dev’s captaincy...

A Captains have to lead from the front and Kapil wasn’t found wanting... His innings of 175 not out against Zimbabwe continues to be talked about.

Q What made the difference in that World Cup?

A While cricket is a team sport, you have situations where individuals stand up to be counted... Team effort, proper execution of plans, confidence... All three were key factors in our 1983 campaign. If we weren’t confident, we couldn’t have won.

Q To win a World Cup...

A You need individuals to deliver in crunch situations... You need to believe you can do unbelievable things... You need loads of self-belief for things to fall in place.

Q Expectations weren’t high because of India’s lacklustre show in the first two World Cups... Did being the underdogs reduce the pressure, maybe make it somewhat easier?

A You play sport to win. That was my approach and the approach of the team as well. If you’re in the field to lose, or have that mindset, you might as well sit at home... You cannot be doubting your own ability.

Q Decades later, how do you look back on your stellar performance in the 1983 World Cup and your career as a whole, which began in 1969 and ended in 1989? You were the much-celebrated Comeback Man...

A Naturally, you are happy when you contribute... Nobody sets out to fail... What kept pushing me right through my career was a desire to prove people wrong. I would be written off, but I’d be right back as the fire in the belly remained strong.

Q Thoughts on the ongoing World Cup...

A Some results, like Sri Lanka upsetting England on Friday, suggest it’s still an open World Cup. Pakistan too beat England... Bangladesh defeated the West Indies and put on a courageous effort against Australia (finishing at 333 for eight, chasing 382). Expect some shocks in the weeks ahead.

[One almost happened around eight hours after the interview, with Afghanistan restricting India to 224 for eight and coming within a couple of big hits of securing a stunning win. So...]

Q Have you been surprised by Bangladesh’s spirited run?

A Not at all. Bangladesh now have such an experienced first XI... Captain Mashrafe Mortaza, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib-al Hasan have each played over 200 ODIs... Tamim Iqbal (198) too is almost there and Mahmudullah Riyad has 180 appearances. That’s some experience.

Q Kapil’s Devils in 1983, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men in 2011... Virat Kohli and his troops at this point in time... The best?

A I’m not in favour of comparisons. What I’ll say is that Virat’s team looks the most balanced in this World Cup.

Q Does Virat have India’s best attack ever in ODIs?

A Virat certainly has two very good spinners (Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav), leading to such a balanced team. With the new ball, he has somebody as skilful as Jasprit Bumrah.

Q Batsman who has stood out?

A Rohit Sharma. He’s in fantastic touch (two hundreds and a 57 in four matches) and I hope his form continues.

Q Is there a captain who has impressed you?

A I’d pick Virat... I like his aggression... Like the way he’s always looking to get wickets. That puts the opposition under more pressure and gives his bowlers more confidence. They know their captain is backing them.

Q Finally... Suggestions for Virat...

A (Laughs) Virat doesn’t need advice... He’s a world-class batsman and an aggressive captain. Fingers crossed that things continue to go well for Virat and India.