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From cricket fields to golf greens, from books to biopics, Kapil Dev’s life is as diverse as his talent
Kapil Dev Nikhanj—a name that became synonymous with Indian cricket's golden age. The Haryana Hurricane, born on January 6, 1959, swept the cricket world by storm. Dev, a pace-bowling all-rounder, finished his remarkable career with 434 Test wickets and over 5,000 runs, establishing himself as one of the best.
Happy Birthday Kapil Dev🎂💙 pic.twitter.com/0HxQ8uWOww
— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) January 6, 2024
Who can forget 1983? At the age of 24, Kapil guided India to an incredible World Cup victory over the West Indies, a legendary squad. In that season, he scored an unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe, which is still considered one of the most famed innings in ODI cricket. With his 2010 entry into the ICC Hall of Fame, he has had a career full of achievements.
However, Kapil is more than his cricketing feats. Let's look beyond the pitch and learn some amazing facts about the man who transformed Indian sports.
Did you know Kapil Dev is a prolific writer? He has written four books, which provide insight into his thoughts beyond cricket. His memoirs, By God's Decree (1985), Cricket My Style (1987), and Straight from the Heart (2004), detail his journey from a young child in Chandigarh to winning the World Cup.
@HTBrunch Book 44: By God’s Decree by Kapil Dev. #BrunchBookChallenge #BrunchBookChallenge2020 pic.twitter.com/Wz25iNQz9O
— KrishnanVRaman (@KrishnanVRaman) August 5, 2020
In 2019, Kapil delves into a new subject with 'We, The Sikhs', a passionate homage to Sikh history. Not every day, you come across a player who can bowl out batters while overcoming writer's block.
If you believe Kapil's charm is restricted to cricket, think again. He has had cameo roles in films such as Dillagi... Yeh Dillagi, Iqbal, Lal Salaam, Chain Khuli Ki Main Khuli, and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. And don't forget the rousing biopic 83, in which Ranveer Singh brought Kapil's World Cup success to life on film, with the man himself attending as a spectator.
But Kapil did not stop there. He has experimented with music, collaborating with Shailendra Singh on the song "One India My India". Kapil's off-field performances have been equally impressive as his on-field ones.
Kapil retired from cricket and replaced his bat with a golf club. He began playing golf in 1993 and quickly became a regular on the greens, displaying his flexibility.
Kapil's enthusiasm for athletics went beyond personal activities. As a founding member of the Laureus Foundation, with superstars such as Ian Botham and Viv Richards, he advocated for athletics as a tool for social change. And in 2014, he selflessly donated his organs, revealing that his services to mankind extend well beyond cricket.
Kapil's involvement with the Indian Cricket League (ICL) in 2007 garnered headlines, but not for his runs or wickets. As head of the ICL's executive board, he battled with the BCCI, who responded by withholding pensions for league players.
Kapil, on the other hand, remained steadfast in his pursuit of chances for young cricketers. While the ICL finally disbanded, his stance against the system reflects his determined spirit.
Few people remember Kapil Dev's appointment as India's head coach in 1999. While his tenure had moments of brilliance, such as an ODI series victory over South Africa, it was overshadowed by the match-fixing controversy. Allegations and issues led to his departure less than a year later.
The appointment of Kapil Dev as India's cricket coach in 1999 marked a notable chapter in Indian cricket history. However, his tenure was marred by challenges, including a nightmarish tour of Australia and allegations of match-fixing involvement directly by Manoj Prabhakar and a… pic.twitter.com/nK9M2zVhNK
— KadwaSach (@kadwasachindia) May 13, 2024
Despite being exonerated of wrongdoing, Kapil's time as a coach was a tumultuous chapter in an otherwise successful career. However, it highlighted his willingness to accept responsibility, even when the odds were stacked against him.
Kapil Dev's life narrative teaches us about reinventing yourself. From being India's youngest World Cup-winning captain to a golfer, author, and philanthropist, he has confidently donned several hats.
As Kapil turns 66, let us honour the cricketer and the multidimensional man who has inspired millions. After all, Kapil Dev exemplifies how legends transcend boundaries, both on and off the pitch.
Happy Birthday, Legend!
