Mumbai: Born on January 6, 1959, Kapil Dev turns 56 today. He is regarded as one of the greatest to have ever played the game and for good reason too. In a career spanning 131 Tests he added 434 wickets at an average of 29.64 to his kitty and an equally impressive 5,248 runs at 31.05. In acknowledgment of his all-round achievements he was voted as India’s cricketer of the century in the year 2002.
He boasted an amazing One-Day International (ODI) career as well. He played 225 matches and in the period collected 253 wickets at 27.45 and scored 3783 runs. His epitome of heroism was when he captained India to the 1983 Prudential (World) Cup title beating the mighty West Indians in the final. Those who are lucky to have witnessed him play, brand him as a true match-winner with both bat and ball.
His impeccable accuracy and ability to swing the ball both ways troubled even the best batsmen in the world. He enjoyed a career spanning 17 years, making his debut against Pakistan in 1978 and played his final Test in 1994 against New Zealand in Hamilton. We wish one of the greatest genuine all-rounders in the world a very happy birthday.
Bureau Report
#spanning, #cricket, #KapilDev, #1983WorldCup, #century, #ODI, #WestIndians, #Pakistan
Leave a Reply