Kapil Dev turns 59, here are defining-moments of his career
The greatest all-rounder in the history of Indian cricket, Kapil Dev turns 59 today. Kapil Dev gave a new direction to Team India with his 'style' of cricket. He made his debut against Pakistan as a 19-year-old in 1978. The most iconic memory of Kapil Dev is the time he lifted India's first World Cup in 1983. Here's more about the legend.
Happy Birthday "The Haryana Hurricane"
The all-rounder went on to represent India in 131 Test matches in a career that spanned over 16 years. In his career, he picked up 434 wickets at an average of 29.64 which includes 23 five-wicket hauls. Despite retiring from cricket years ago, Kapil is currently on the 7th spot in the all-time list of most wickets in Test cricket.
Kapil Dev's international career in numbers
Kapil Dev was also a fine batsman who scored 5,248 runs in Test cricket at an average of 31.05, with 8 hundreds and 27 fifties to his name. In ODI cricket, the all-rounder smashed 3,783 runs in 225 matches at an average of 23.79. He also took 253 wickets in ODIs at an average of 27.45.
India's World Cup winning captain
Kapil's only hundred in ODI cricket came in the 1983 World Cup when he scored an unbeaten 175 off 138 balls with 16 boundaries and 6 sixes against Zimbabwe at Tunbridge Wells. Kapil powered India to 266 for 8 in 60 overs and secured India the semi-final spot. India went on to lift their first World cup that year.
The man who helped India win their first World Cup
Kapil missed just one Test in his career
Kapil Dev was one of the fittest cricketers of his time, surprising since he bowled, batted and fielded as well. The Indian ace all-rounder just missed one Test match after playing 66 consecutive Tests. He went on to play 65 more Tests in a row. The all-rounder finally bid adieu to the sport in 1994 as Test cricket's then top wicket taker.
