Happy Birthday Kapil Dev: ‘No fast bowler has been born in India in the last 40 years’, then the dashing all-rounder came in front of the world who changed the whole game

The date of 25th June 1983 which is forever recorded in the history of Indian cricket. A date that gave a new identity to cricket in India and to India in the cricket world. India won their first World Cup by defeating two-time world champions West Indies by 11 players at Lord’s in England. In that World Cup, Captain Kapil Dev and his entire team had told the world cricket that a new champion has come in the form of India in the game of cricket. Kapil Dev etched his name in the history books when he became the first captain to lead India to the World Cup trophy in 1983. In an era when India was renowned for its shrewd batsmen and master spinners, Dev scripted a new era with his fast bowling and batting skills. He was considered one of the top all-rounders of his time. The illustrious career of the former Indian captain has seen ups and downs both on and off the field.

Kapil Dev was born on 6 January 1959 in Chandigarh. But who knew at that time that one day he would grow up to change the course of cricket in India. The Haryana lad made his international Test debut on 1 October 1978 against arch-rivals Pakistan and since then there has been no looking back. Like any sportsperson on the field, Kapil Dev has never shied away from sharing his opinion, at times it has also given rise to controversies. On his 64th birthday, let’s take a look at some of his achievements, the inspiration behind them and some of the comments that have sparked some debate in recent times.

In an interview with Creed for the Masterclass series titled ‘The Long Game’, Kapil Dev shared that his main motivation to become a fast bowler was to prove a senior cricket official wrong. Who believed that India could not produce a fast bowler. He had said that no fast bowler has been born in India in the last 40 years.

In February 1994, he not only became a fast bowler but also recorded the international record for the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. This record would only be broken six years later by West Indies legend Courtney Walsh.

Many see the modern game as one with a hectic schedule, but a statement by Kapil Dev begs to differ for players complaining about the pressure.

Kapil Dev said don’t play’. Who is asking you? There is pressure, but if you are playing at that level, you will be praised and abused. Don’t play if you are afraid of abuses. Pressure is an American word. If you don’t want to work, don’t. Is someone forcing you? Go and set up a banana shop. Go sell the eggs. (Open a banana stall, go sell eggs).”