Kapil Dev
India
Right-hand bat · Right-arm fast-medium
Career
Kapil Dev is the reason India believed it could win a World Cup. As captain in 1983 he led a side given no chance to the title at Lord's, and his 175 not out against Zimbabwe earlier in that tournament — made after India had collapsed to 17 for five — is the most famous innings never captured on film, because the day's play was not televised.
He was India's first genuinely fast bowler of international quality and an outswing bowler of real craft, and he retired as the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket. He played 131 consecutive Tests without ever being dropped or missing a match through injury, a record of durability no fast bowler has approached.
Highlights
- Captained India to the 1983 Cricket World Cup title
- Scored 175 not out against Zimbabwe in that tournament from 17 for five
- Retired as the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket
- Played 131 consecutive Tests without missing a match
Overview
What the figures show
Kapil Dev is listed as a cricketer from India. The competitions covered on this site hold no completed matches under this name.
Questions
About Kapil Dev
What is Kapil Dev's playing style?
Kapil Dev is a right-hand bat who bowls right-arm fast-medium.
What is Kapil Dev best known for?
Captaining India to their first Cricket World Cup title in 1983, beating a heavily favoured West Indies in the final at Lord's.
Why is Kapil Dev's 175 not out famous?
He made it against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup after India collapsed to 17 for five. No television footage exists because the day's play was not broadcast.
Was Kapil Dev a fast bowler or a batter?
A genuine allrounder — India's first high-class fast bowler, who retired as Test cricket's leading wicket-taker, and a hard-hitting lower-middle-order batter.
Sources
- IPL figures computed from ball-by-ball records of every IPL match.
- International figures computed from Cricsheet ball-by-ball data, licensed CC BY 4.0.
- Biographical details compiled from public records.