Kapil Dev is the former India cricket team captain who put the country on the cricketing world map as he helped them win the 1983 World Cup.
Before MS Dhoni ensured that small town India had the license to dream big, there was another individual who did the unthinkable. Hailing from Rohtak, in the newly-created state of Haryana, this individual had to battle the immense rivalry and tussles that dominated cricket circles in the 70s between Delhi and Bombay. Amidst all this, when he put on the India jersey, he changed the fortunes of a billion people. Kapil Dev, who celebrates his 62nd birthday, was born on January 6 1959 and his list of accomplishments is simply staggering. Kapil Dev was the ultimate cricketer and it is because of him that the game is a religion in the country.
June 25, 1983 will forever be immortalised for the way Kapil Dev changed world cricket forever when he helped India beat the almighty West Indies in the 1983 World Cup final to officially become the world champions. When they won the 1985 Benson and Hedges World Series in Australia, they were the ultimate world champions. Under Kapil Dev, India flourished for a time and it laid the base for many great cricketers to exhibit their glory. On the occasion of his 62nd birthday, here are some of the memorable moments in Kapil Dev's career.
1. Kapil Dev allrounder
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Kapil Dev's greatest feat in the history of cricket might be the fact that he is the first player to score 5000 runs and take 400 wickets. In his 16-year career, Kapil Dev has led India to Test glory and when he broke the record of the most wickets held by Sir Richard Hadlee in 1993, Kapil Dev symbolised how longetivity can be utlisied for greatness. Even in ODIs, Kapil Dev was the leading wicket-taker for some time and with the bat, he redefined aggressive hitting in that era. (Image credit: Twitter)
2. Kapil Dev 175
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Ironically, Kapil Dev's greatest moment came in a match which was never televised due to a TV strike by the BBC at that time. India were reeling at 17/5 against Zimbabwe at Turnbridge Wells but Kapil Dev stepped up and played the innings of a lifetime. His 175 helped India recover and they avoided getting upset by Zimbabwe, who had earlier beaten Australia. It is a shame that this knock will only be a subject to imagination as there was no footage available. (Image credit: Twitter)
3. No no-ball Kapil Dev
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What is the most remarkable thing in Kapil Dev's entire career? His World Cup win- yes but not remarkable. His records - Yes but not really. Then what is? In 16 years, Kapil Dev has never bowled a single no-ball at any level. This level of discipline is unbelievabe and it has never been repeated. Kapil Dev never bowled a single no ball in his 16-year career and that is a feat no one can emulate. (Image credit: Twitter)
4. Kapil Dev 1983 World Cup
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But perhaps, the greatest moment will always be the number of major trophies he has won. The 1983 World Cup, the 1985 Benson and Hedges world series and remarkably, Haryana's only Ranji Trophy win in 1991 when they defeated the might of Bombay in their fortress of the Wankhede stadium. That Bombay side featured the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Vinod Kambli, Sanjay Manjrekar and Dilip Vengsarkar. Only Kapil Dev would have made this possible. (Image credit: Twitter)
5. Kapil Dev trophies
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Cricket World Cup win. Benson and Hedges World Championship. Ranji Trophy. England glory. Total dominance. Oh yes, if one wants to avoid a follow-on with just one wicket remaining, hit sixes at will. Kapil Dev hit four sixes in one over bowled by Eddie Hemmings as India avoided the follow-on in dramatic style but they could not win the match. Happy Birthday, Kapil paaji. Truly, one of the greatest that was and ever will be. (Image credit: Twitter)
