With Rohit Sharma being ruled out of the ongoing three ODIs between India and South Africa, KL Rahul is leading the Men in Blue in the African nation. On Wednesday (January 19), Rahul walked out for the coin toss for the first time ever as India's captain in the 50-over format.

For the unversed, Rahul has already captained India once. During the ongoing SA tour, Rahul had led the Indian team in the second and penultimate Test -- captaining India for the first time in a full match -- which the visitors lost by 7 wickets. On his ODI captaincy debut, the 29-year-old achieved a unique record. Rahul became only the second Indian to captain the side before making 50 appearances in the ODI format.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/what-are-you-doing-rizwan-recalls-hilarious-chat-with-kohli-during-high-voltage-indo-pak-t20-wc-tie-445969">'What are you doing' - Rizwan recalls hilarious chat with Kohli during high-voltage Indo-Pak T20 WC tie</a>

Thus, Rahul joined former India batter Mohinder Amarnath in the unique list, who led India on his 35th appearance in ODIs in 1984. At the coin toss, Rahul-led India were asked to bowl first as SA captain Temba Bavuma (110) and Rassie van der Dussen's 129 not out propelled the Proteas to 296-4 in 50 overs.&nbsp;

In reply, India lost stand-in captain Rahul (12) early in the run-chase at Boland Park, Paarl.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-has-already-set-a-standard-for-india-rahul-speaks-highly-of-former-captain-kohli-ahead-of-sa-odis-445743">He has already set a standard for India: Rahul speaks highly of former captain Kohli ahead of SA ODIs</a>

After losing the three-match Test series, in the rainbow nation, India will be eager to stage a recovery and win the ODI leg. In early 2018, Virat Kohli-led India had won their first-ever bilateral series in the African nation when they beat SA 5-1 in a six-match ODI series.

With Rohit Sharma being ruled out of the ongoing three ODIs between India and South Africa, KL Rahul is leading the Men in Blue in the African nation. On Wednesday (January 19), Rahul walked out for the coin toss for the first time ever as India's captain in the 50-over format.

With Rohit Sharma being ruled out of the ongoing three ODIs between India and South Africa, KL Rahul is leading the Men in Blue in the African nation. On Wednesday (January 19), Rahul walked out for the coin toss for the first time ever as India's captain in the 50-over format. For the unversed, Rahul has already captained India once. During the ongoing SA tour, Rahul had led the Indian team in the second and penultimate Test -- captaining India for the first time in a full match -- which the visitors lost by 7 wickets. On his ODI captaincy debut, the 29-year-old achieved a unique record. Rahul became only the second Indian to captain the side before making 50 appearances in the ODI format. ALSO READ | 'What are you doing' - Rizwan recalls hilarious chat with Kohli during high-voltage Indo-Pak T20 WC tie Thus, Rahul joined former India batter Mohinder Amarnath in the unique list, who led India on his 35th appearance in ODIs in 1984. At the coin toss, Rahul-led India were asked to bowl first as SA captain Temba Bavuma (110) and Rassie van der Dussen's 129 not out propelled the Proteas to 296-4 in 50 overs. In reply, India lost stand-in captain Rahul (12) early in the run-chase at Boland Park, Paarl. ALSO READ | He has already set a standard for India: Rahul speaks highly of former captain Kohli ahead of SA ODIs After losing the three-match Test series, in the rainbow nation, India will be eager to stage a recovery and win the ODI leg. In early 2018, Virat Kohli-led India had won their first-ever bilateral series in the African nation when they beat SA 5-1 in a six-match ODI series.

IndvSA: KL Rahul becomes second Indian to achieve unique captaincy feat during ODI series opener

Kapil Dev-led Team India created history when they went onto win the country's maiden World Cup during the 1983 edition in England. Back then, not many had given India any chance to proceed further into the tournament after their flop performances in the first two editions, in 1975 and 1979.

While Kapil &amp; Co. started their campaign with two wins in a row, they soon fell flat with equal number of defeats as they faced Zimbabwe, for the second time, on June 18, 1983. It was a must-win game for India, who had convincingly lost their last two encounters. Opting to bat first, at&nbsp;Nevill Ground, Tunbridge Wells, India were off to a nightmarish start as they were reduced to 17-5 in no time.

Losing hopes of survival, Kapil formed handy partnership with Roger Binny before his unbeaten 126-run ninth-wicket stand with wicketkeeper-batsman Syed Kirmani took India to 266/8. Kapil and Kirmani remained unbeaten as the skipper's 175 took India to a competitive score.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/throwback-when-kapil-dev-mankanded-peter-kirsten-during-indias-1992-tour-of-sa-watch-438727">THROWBACK: When Kapil Dev mankanded Peter Kirsten during India's 1992 tour of SA - WATCH</a>

Recalling his partnership with Kapil and how the Indian captain led the side's recovery, Kirmani was quoted as saying by the Indian Express, "I walked up to Kapil, who was standing there, his head down. It was a 60-over game and we still had 35 overs left in our innings. I told Kapil, ‘listen Kaps, we are in a do-or-die situation. We just cannot sit and die’. ‘Maar ke marne ka hai (we will go down hitting)’, he said.

"I tried to inspire him saying, ‘you are the best hitter in the Indian team. I will take singles and will give you strike. You will try to hit every delivery’. He said, ‘Kiri bhai, humko aur 35 overs khelna hai (we still have to play 35 overs). I will try my best’."

For the unversed, Kapil's innings comprised 16 fours and 6 gigantic sixes. In reply, Zimbabwe were dismissed for 235 as Kapil, Madan Lal and Binny led the charge with the ball.&nbsp;

From thereon, India gained momentum and reached the final, setting up a clash versus the two-time winners Clive Lloyd-led West Indies.

In the summit clash, Windies bundled out India for 183 after inviting them to bat first. Kirmani recalled Kapil's words during the mid-innings and said, "Even when India could only score 183 runs in the final against West Indies, Kapil had not lost hope. “Even after we were all out for 183 in the final, we weren’t looking back. We had nothing to lose. Kapil said, ‘let’s go and give our best’. We had already overachieved. We decided to put our best foot forward."

As a result, India managed to pull off an upset and beat West Indies by 43 runs, dismissing them for 140 courtesy Madan and vice-captain Mohinder Amarnath's three-fers.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-will-do-kapil-dev-makes-bold-claim-on-team-indias-head-coach-rahul-dravid-432134">'He will do....' - Kapil Dev makes bold claim on Team India's head coach Rahul Dravid</a>

On December 24 (Friday), Ranveer Singh-starrer 83 is set to hit the silver screens, a movie on India's historic triumph in the 1983 WC. Hence, many will get to relive the epic journey where an underdog Indian team rose to the occasion and created history against all odds.&nbsp;

Kapil Dev-led Team India created history when they went onto win the country's maiden World Cup during the 1983 edition in England. Back then, not many had given India any chance to proceed further into the tournament after their flop performances in the first two editions, in 1975 and 1979.

Kapil Dev-led Team India created history when they went onto win the country's maiden World Cup during the 1983 edition in England. Back then, not many had given India any chance to proceed further into the tournament after their flop performances in the first two editions, in 1975 and 1979. While Kapil & Co. started their campaign with two wins in a row, they soon fell flat with equal number of defeats as they faced Zimbabwe, for the second time, on June 18, 1983. It was a must-win game for India, who had convincingly lost their last two encounters. Opting to bat first, at Nevill Ground, Tunbridge Wells, India were off to a nightmarish start as they were reduced to 17-5 in no time. Losing hopes of survival, Kapil formed handy partnership with Roger Binny before his unbeaten 126-run ninth-wicket stand with wicketkeeper-batsman Syed Kirmani took India to 266/8. Kapil and Kirmani remained unbeaten as the skipper's 175 took India to a competitive score. ALSO READ | THROWBACK: When Kapil Dev mankanded Peter Kirsten during India's 1992 tour of SA - WATCH Recalling his partnership with Kapil and how the Indian captain led the side's recovery, Kirmani was quoted as saying by the Indian Express, "I walked up to Kapil, who was standing there, his head down. It was a 60-over game and we still had 35 overs left in our innings. I told Kapil, ‘listen Kaps, we are in a do-or-die situation. We just cannot sit and die’. ‘Maar ke marne ka hai (we will go down hitting)’, he said. "I tried to inspire him saying, ‘you are the best hitter in the Indian team. I will take singles and will give you strike. You will try to hit every delivery’. He said, ‘Kiri bhai, humko aur 35 overs khelna hai (we still have to play 35 overs). I will try my best’." For the unversed, Kapil's innings comprised 16 fours and 6 gigantic sixes. In reply, Zimbabwe were dismissed for 235 as Kapil, Madan Lal and Binny led the charge with the ball. From thereon, India gained momentum and reached the final, setting up a clash versus the two-time winners Clive Lloyd-led West Indies. In the summit clash, Windies bundled out India for 183 after inviting them to bat first. Kirmani recalled Kapil's words during the mid-innings and said, "Even when India could only score 183 runs in the final against West Indies, Kapil had not lost hope. “Even after we were all out for 183 in the final, we weren’t looking back. We had nothing to lose. Kapil said, ‘let’s go and give our best’. We had already overachieved. We decided to put our best foot forward." As a result, India managed to pull off an upset and beat West Indies by 43 runs, dismissing them for 140 courtesy Madan and vice-captain Mohinder Amarnath's three-fers. ALSO READ | 'He will do....' - Kapil Dev makes bold claim on Team India's head coach Rahul Dravid On December 24 (Friday), Ranveer Singh-starrer 83 is set to hit the silver screens, a movie on India's historic triumph in the 1983 WC. Hence, many will get to relive the epic journey where an underdog Indian team rose to the occasion and created history against all odds.

Syed Kirmani recalls Kapil Dev's majestic 175* in must-win WC game vs Zimbabwe before '83' hits screens

On a balmy evening on June 25, 1983, Kapil Dev etched his name in the heart of every cricket fan in India while holding aloft the Prudential Cup in Lord's balcony after beating the mighty West Indies led by the indomitable Clive Lloyd.

West Indies lost the throne and then never got it back again. It was a watershed moment in world cricket and saw the advent of Asia in the game which was otherwise dominated by the big three - England, Australia and West Indies.

On that historic Saturday, Clive Lloyd won the toss and put India into bat. It seemed the West Indies bowlers led by Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall and Michael Holding would tear apart the Indian line-up and it went as predicted.

Gavaskar lost his wicket to Roberts with India reduced to 2-1 but his counterpart Kris Srikkanth had other ideas. In true T20 fashion, India's premier blaster layed into the attack hitting boundaries and sixes in a well-planned counter-attack.

Srikkant hit 38 in 57 balls studded with seven boundaries and one six as India pulled back from Gavaskar's early loss. Mohinder Amarnath who was declared the man of the match pitched in with 26(80 balls) with three boundaries to keep India in the game.

Sandeep Patil, the six-hitter par excellence who was known for his hook shots made a quickfire 27 in just 29 balls with one six but others failed to capitalise as India folded for just 183 in 54.4 overs.

Andy Roberts picked up 3 wickets with Marshall, Holding and Larry Gomes pitching in with two wickets respectively.

Then began India's fairytale...

West Indies batsman started their innings and began falling by the wayside. Opener Greenidge left with just 5 runs on the board, Haynes was no better scoring just 13. Viv Richards kept West Indies in the match but after Kapil Dev took his catch running back to a well-pitched Madan Lal delivery with West Indies on 57-3, Indian supporters felt their nerves tingle.

Madan Lal picked up three crucial wickets - Haynes, Richards and Gomes and Amarnath dislodged wicketkeeper Dujon, Malcolm Marshall and last man&nbsp; - Michael Holding as India n fans ran into the pitch to hug their heroes.

It was 36 years ago today, but for Indian fans it happened yesterday. Although Team India went on to win another World Cup after 28 years in 2011 at the Wankhede in Mumbai under MS Dhoni, the feeling of the first Cup never subsided.

India's love affair with cricket began on that day and it continued.

On a balmy evening on June 25, 1983, Kapil Dev etched his name in the heart of every cricket fan in India while holding aloft the Prudential Cup in Lord's balcony after beating the mighty West Indies led by the indomitable Clive Lloyd.

On a balmy evening on June 25, 1983, Kapil Dev etched his name in the heart of every cricket fan in India while holding aloft the Prudential Cup in Lord's balcony after beating the mighty West Indies led by the indomitable Clive Lloyd. West Indies lost the throne and then never got it back again. It was a watershed moment in world cricket and saw the advent of Asia in the game which was otherwise dominated by the big three - England, Australia and West Indies. On that historic Saturday, Clive Lloyd won the toss and put India into bat. It seemed the West Indies bowlers led by Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall and Michael Holding would tear apart the Indian line-up and it went as predicted. Gavaskar lost his wicket to Roberts with India reduced to 2-1 but his counterpart Kris Srikkanth had other ideas. In true T20 fashion, India's premier blaster layed into the attack hitting boundaries and sixes in a well-planned counter-attack. Srikkant hit 38 in 57 balls studded with seven boundaries and one six as India pulled back from Gavaskar's early loss. Mohinder Amarnath who was declared the man of the match pitched in with 26(80 balls) with three boundaries to keep India in the game. Sandeep Patil, the six-hitter par excellence who was known for his hook shots made a quickfire 27 in just 29 balls with one six but others failed to capitalise as India folded for just 183 in 54.4 overs. Andy Roberts picked up 3 wickets with Marshall, Holding and Larry Gomes pitching in with two wickets respectively. Then began India's fairytale... West Indies batsman started their innings and began falling by the wayside. Opener Greenidge left with just 5 runs on the board, Haynes was no better scoring just 13. Viv Richards kept West Indies in the match but after Kapil Dev took his catch running back to a well-pitched Madan Lal delivery with West Indies on 57-3, Indian supporters felt their nerves tingle. Madan Lal picked up three crucial wickets - Haynes, Richards and Gomes and Amarnath dislodged wicketkeeper Dujon, Malcolm Marshall and last man - Michael Holding as India n fans ran into the pitch to hug their heroes. It was 36 years ago today, but for Indian fans it happened yesterday. Although Team India went on to win another World Cup after 28 years in 2011 at the Wankhede in Mumbai under MS Dhoni, the feeling of the first Cup never subsided. India's love affair with cricket began on that day and it continued.

World Cup 1983: Beginning of India's fairytale from home of cricket, Lord's