Members of 1983 World Cup winning team never thought of even reaching the semifinals but it was their "mad" skipper Kapil Dev's inspirational leadership that guided them to the coveted trophy, said chief India selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth.

Srikkanth, one of the key members of the squad that beat the mighty West Indies twice in 1983 World Cup including in the final, said many players had even booked flight tickets for United States for holidaying after the tournament as they thought they would not go beyond the group stage.

"None of players thought we would reach semifinals. So, many booked flight tickets for United States. The plan was to watch the semifinal and final and then fly to US for holiday.

The tour agent said even my wife can come as I married in March 1983.