India’s World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev will celebrate his 61st birthday on Monday (January 6, 2020). He is widely regarded as the greatest all-rounder to ever don the Indian Jersey and is arguably considered as one of the greatest Indian cricketer’s till date. Kapil Dev took Indian cricket to new heights during his scintillating career and most notably led India to their first-ever World Cup triumph in 1983 by defeating two-time champions West Indies in the finals. On the occasion of Kapil Dev’s birthday, we take a look at some lesser-known facts about him.

Kapil Dev made his domestic debut for Haryana against Punjab in November 1975 with a six-wicket haul. Dev was an instrumental figure in Haryana’s 1991 Ranji Trophy title win, which was his maiden and only Ranji Trophy Championship. After shining with Haryana in the domestic circuit, Dev made his Test debut for India in October 1978 against Pakistan and showcased his all-round abilities scoring a 33-ball half-century in the third game of the series. His first stint as captain came in 1982-83 series against Sri Lanka when Sunil Gavaskar was rested. In the 1983 World Cup, Dev came into his own as during a clash against Zimbabwe, he stitched up a 126-run partnership with Kirmani for the 9th wicket and finished not out at 175 runs off 138 balls. He was outstanding in the World Cup as he scored 303 (Average: 60.6) runs and took 12 wickets in the eight matches.

Here Are Some Lesser Known Facts About Kapil Dev

  • Dev led India to their first-ever World Cup title in 1983.

  • Kapil Dev Won His Maiden and Only Ranji Trophy Championship In 1991

  • Kapil Dev was never run-out in his entire Test career lasting 184 innings.

  • He is the only player in the history of cricket to take more than 400 wickets and score more than 5000 runs.

  • He was named as Indian Cricketer of the Century by Wisden in 2002.

  • Kapil Dev married Romi Bhatia in 1990 and has a daughter named Amiya Dev

  • In 1994, Dev took up Golf and was the only Asian founding member of Laurens Foundation in 2000.

  • Kapil Dev was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on March 11, 2010.

Kapil Dev bid adieu to cricket in 1994 after breaking the standing record of Richard Hadlee of the most wicket’s taken in Tests. Dev is definitely one of the best players this game has ever seen and this can be proven by his unworldly stats. He is the only player in the history of cricket to have taken more than 400 wickets (434) and scored more than 5000 runs in Tests. The Indian all-rounder was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame on March 11, 2010.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 06, 2020 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).