Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev Biography

Kapil Nikhanj Dev, the former cricketer and captain of the Indian cricket team is one of the legends of the sport. He is till now the greatest fast bowling all rounder India has ever produced.

Famously known as the Haryana Hurricane, he was a right arm fast bowler and a right handed batsman. He will always be remembered for his deadly out swingers, aggressive batting and for leading the Indian team to a World Cup victory in 1983.

Early in career

Having made his debut at 19-years of age, and that too against Pakistan, his test cricket debut was unfortunately an unimpressive one. But in the third test match of the same series in 1978, he scored a blistering 33-ball half-century which was just a glimpse of his aggressive batting which he showcased in his career.

He scored his maiden test cricket century against West Indies at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi in just 124 balls. On his first tour to England, he took his first 5 wicket haul.

Remarkable Career

Kapil Dev proved himself as a prominent member of Indian cricket team when he took two five-wicket hauls against Australia in a home series in 1979.

He gained a lot of fame in a six test home series against Pakistan in 1979-80 season. He led India to victory twice in that series. Once by playing a knock of 69 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai and second time with his daunting bowling taking 10 wickets at Chepauk, Chennai.

Career in a Glimpse

In the 131 tests he has played for the country, Kapil has scored 5248 runs at an average of 31.05, with a highest score of 163.

He took 434 wickets at an average of 29.65 with the best bowling figures of 146/11 in a test match. He is still the highest fast bowling wicket taker for India in test cricket.

Kapil Dev has played 225 matches in the ODI format of the sport for India and has scored 3783 runs at an average of 23.79, with a highest score of 175 (a historic 138 ball knock against Zimbabwe, rescuing his team from a score of 17/5).

He took 273 wickets at an average of 27.45 with the best bowling figures of 5/43.

Achievements

He was awarded as “Indian Cricketer of the Century” by Wisden in the year 2002. He has also been honored with Arjuna Award and Padma Bhushan awards by Indian Government.