Legends of Indian Cricket: Kapil Dev was a former Indian Cricketer and Captain who was awarded the title of Indian Cricketer of the Century by Wisden in 2002. Dev captained India’s World Cup-winning cricket team in 1983.
Early Life – Legends of Indian Cricket
On January 6, 1959, Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj was born in Chandigarh to Ram Lal Nikhanj, a teak merchant, and his wife, Rajkumari. Following the Partition, his family relocated to Fazilka before finally settling in Chandigarh.
Initial Start to the Career – Legends of Indian Cricket
Kapil Dev had an excellent start for Haryana against Punjab in November 1975, taking six wickets and limiting Punjab to 63 runs, aiding Haryana to win. He had 121 wickets in 30 matches towards the end of the season.
He recorded a match haul of 8/36 in the 1976-77 season opener against Jammu and Kashmir. Despite his lacklustre performance the rest of the season, Haryana advanced to the pre-quarterfinals.
In the second innings, Dev got his then-best innings performance of 8/20 in just 9 overs to skittle Bengal for 58 runs in under 19 overs. Haryana was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Bombay.
He started his 1977-78 season by striking out 8/38 in the opening inning against Services. He achieved his first 10-wicket haul in first-class cricket with three wickets in the second innings, a performance he would later repeat twice in Test cricket.
He was chosen for the Irani Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and Wills Trophy matches after taking 23 wickets in four matches.
International Career – Legends of Indian Cricket
Dev debuted in the Test format on October 16, 1978, at Faisalabad, Pakistan. With his velocity and bouncers that smacked their helmets on many occasions, he surprised the Pakistani batters. Dev’s hallmark outswinger got him his first wicket, Sadiq Mohammad.
He showed his brilliant all-rounder ability by recording India’s quickest Test half-century off 33 balls and two sixes in both innings during the third Test match at National Stadium, Karachi, despite India losing the match and series 2-0.
In the subsequent series against a visiting West Indies squad, he managed to score his maiden Test century (126) in just 124 balls at Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi and bowled consistently (17 wickets at 33.00).
His ODI debut came on an earlier tour of Pakistan, where his individual performance was average, and this continued as both Dev and India had a terrible campaign at the 1979 Cricket World Cup.
India’s World Cup Win in 1983 – Legends of Indian Cricket
Dev captained the Indian cricket team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup, becoming the first Indian captain to do so. He is also the youngest captain to win the World Cup for any team.
He batted with a batting average of 60.6 and scored 303 runs in India’s World Cup victory. He also took 12 wickets at a 20.41 average.
Career Statistics – Legends of Indian Cricket
In 131 Test Matches, he scored 5248 runs at a batting average of 31.05. His highest score in the format was 163 runs.
In the bowling department, he picked up 434 wickets at an average of 29.64.
In ODIs, he scored 3783 runs with a career-high of 175 not out. In the bowling department, he managed 253 wickets at 27.45.
Retirement – Legends of Indian Cricket
He retired in 1994, while still holding the world record for the most Test wickets taken.
“83” The Movie – Legends of Indian Cricket
A special movie named 83 was made on India’s World Cup win. Kapil Dev’s lead role was played by Ranveer Singh in the movie.
