It was Bedi who encouraged a winning attitude in 1971: Jayantilal

K Jayantilal

Kenia Jayantilal, who watched the entire five-Test 1970-71 series against the West Indies as a reserve player except in the first Test at Kingston, has said that Bishan Singh Bedi's positive attitude played a big role in India beating WI for the first time 50 years ago.

The Indian team led by Ajit Wadekar, enjoyed their rest day at Trinidad on this day (March 8) in 1971. "We were calm, composed and quietly confident that we would forge ahead in the match and win it," Jayantilal told mid-day.com.

The rest day was held after Day 2 which saw India responding well to West Indies' 214 all out. Dilip Sardesai ended the day with 83 not out while his fellow Mumbaikar Eknath Solkar was on 24.

"Dilip batted superbly on Day 2 and 3 (when he got his second three-figure score of the Test series). It was a masterful display on a turning pitch and we knew our spinners would trouble the West Indies in their second innings as well," recalled Jayantilal. "It was Bishan who spoke about winning all the time. ‘We have not come all the way to draw' he used to say."

As it turned out, West Indies were bowled out for a low score (261) again and India had to get 124 to win their first Test against the West Indies since first clashing with them in 1948-49. They did so by seven wickets on March 10.