Look at records held by India’s greatest all-rounder, Kapil Dev on his 64th Birthday

Kapil Dev was named the Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century in 2002.

Kapil Dev inspired a number of cricketers to pick up cricket and lift the World Cup one day. The image that many Indians have of the greatest all-rounder produced by India is of him lifting the World Cup at the Mecca of cricket, Lords. Also known as the ‘Haryana Hurricane‘, the former cricketer has etched his name in India’s sporting history forever by clinching the country’s first World Cup against the mighty and formidable West Indies. The cricketer scored 5248 runs in Tests and 3783 in ODIs. He picked up 434 wickets in Tests and 253 wickets in the ODI format. Kapil was named the Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century in 2002. The cricket legend celebrates his 64th birthday on January 6th, 2023. Let’s take a look at some of the records held by the World Cup-winning captain.

Youngest captain to win the World Cup (24 years 170 days)

In 1983, at the age of 24 years and 170 days, the all-arounder guided the team to World Cup victory creating the foundation for India to become a force to reckon with. He played a pivotal role in the World Cup campaign with crucial performances, bailing the team from precarious positions. 

Most wickets by an Indian pacer across all formats (687 wickets in 356 matches) 

Kapil Dev was a superb bowler and his 687 wickets in 356 matches for India is a testimony to his bowling prowess. To put it into perspective, the all-rounder retired in 1994 and only Zaheer Khan could come close with 597 wickets in 303 matches. 

The only player to score 5000 runs and take 400 wickets in Test cricket

Kapil Dev scored 5248 runs in 131 games, including 8 centuries and 27 half-centuries, and claimed 434 wickets the most by an Indian seam bowler with an innings-best figure of 9/83 against the West Indies in 1983.

Fastest Test century by an Indian (74 balls) 

Kapil Dev was known to hit the ball a long way and score quick runs. The all-rounder not only was an asset with the ball but was a complete package with tremendous batting capability. He holds the record for the fastest test century for an Indian. The legend smashed a 74-ball century against Sri Lanka in 1986. He went on to score 163 runs in the match.  

Highest score batting at No 6 in ODIs (175* against Zimbabwe) 

The 175* against Zimbabwe helped Kapil Dev become a household name and the innings is touted to be one of the greatest-ever ODI innings played. India were in deep trouble at 17/5 when he walked into bat and helped the team reach 266/8. The inning changed the face of cricket in India forever and lifted the Indian dressing room, inspiring them to claim the World Cup. 

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