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Kapil Dev is a former fast-bowling all-rounder who captained India to a surprise victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup. He retired as the leading wicket-taker in Test history and was named Wisden’s Indian Cricketer of the Century.
Biography
Early life
Kapil Dev Nikhanj was born in Chandigarh to a family that had moved from Rawalpindi after partition. He trained under coach Desh Prem Azad and made his first-class debut for Haryana in 1975, taking 6 wickets for 39 runs.
Career
Kapil Dev made his Test debut in 1978 and quickly became India’s spearhead fast bowler and a hard-hitting batsman. He remains the only player to have taken 400 Test wickets and scored 5,000 Test runs.
1983 World Cup
As captain at the 1983 World Cup in England, he rescued India from 17 for 5 against Zimbabwe with an unbeaten 175, and in the final at Lord’s his side beat the two-time champions West Indies. The victory transformed cricket’s popularity in India and was dramatised in the film 83 (2021).
Honours
When he retired in 1994 he was the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket, with 434. He was named Wisden’s Indian Cricketer of the Century in 2002, received the Padma Bhushan in 1991 and was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009.
After playing
He served briefly as India’s coach (1999–2000) and as chairman of the Indian Cricket League (2007), and has worked as a commentator and cricket administrator. In 2008 he was commissioned as an honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. The film 83 (2021), with Ranveer Singh as Kapil Dev, recreated the 1983 World Cup victory.
Personal life
Kapil Dev married Romi Bhatia in 1980; they have a daughter, Amiya. He has run businesses in hospitality and sports, and has been involved in golf administration in India. He remains a popular commentator and public speaker, often recounting the 1983 World Cup triumph.
Timeline
-
1959
Born in Chandigarh, Punjab (now Chandigarh)
-
1975
First-class debut for Haryana
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1978
Test debut against Pakistan
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1983
Wins the World Cup as captain
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1991
Padma Bhushan
-
1994
Retires as Test cricket’s leading wicket-taker
-
1999
Appointed India coach
Until 2000.
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2002
Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century
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2008
Honorary Lieutenant Colonel, Territorial Army
-
2009
ICC Hall of Fame
-
2021
Film 83 released
Awards and honours
-
Arjuna Award
1979
-
Padma Shri
1982
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Padma Bhushan
1991
-
ICC Hall of Fame
2009
Did you know?
-
1
He took 6 for 39 on his first-class debut.
-
2
He remains the only player with 400 Test wickets and 5,000 Test runs.
-
3
Ranveer Singh played him in the 2021 film 83.
Gallery
Connections
Frequently asked
Who is Kapil Dev?
Kapil Dev is a former fast-bowling all-rounder who captained India to a surprise victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup. He retired as the leading wicket-taker in Test history and was named Wisden’s Indian Cricketer of the Century.
How old is Kapil Dev?
Kapil Dev is 67 years old, born on 6 January 1959 in Chandigarh, Punjab (now Chandigarh).
Where is Kapil Dev from?
Kapil Dev was born in Chandigarh, Punjab (now Chandigarh).
What is Kapil Dev known for?
Kapil Dev is best known for Winning the 1983 World Cup; 175 not out against Zimbabwe; 434 Test wickets.
What awards has Kapil Dev received?
Notable honours include Arjuna Award (1979), Padma Shri (1982), Padma Bhushan (1991), ICC Hall of Fame (2009).
Who is Kapil Dev married to?
Spouse: Romi Bhatia (m. 1980).
References
- Kapil Dev — Wikipedia. Wikipedia. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
- Kapil Dev — Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
- Kapil Dev — IMDb. IMDb. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
- Kapil Dev — ESPNcricinfo player profile. ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
- Kapil Dev — Hindi Wikipedia. Wikipedia (Hindi). Retrieved 26 October 2026.
- Kapil Dev (Q558189) — structured data. Wikidata. Retrieved 26 October 2026.
External links
About this profile
- Researched by the TrackFame editors; reviewed by Sanjay Sokal
- First published 26 October 2026
- Last updated
Cite this page
“Kapil Dev.” TrackFame, last updated 26 October 2026. https://trackfame.com/person/kapil-dev
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