All-rounder who changed Indian attitude

DECEMBER 18: In more than one way, the cricketer who changed the defensive mindset of the Indians. Kapi Dev's emergence in 1977 coincided with the end of a great era, one which saw the dominance of the famed spin quartet of Bishan Singh Bedi, Erapalli Prassana, Srinivas Venkatragavan and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar.

Kapil, a strapping young man, whose parents had migrated from Sahiwal in Pakistan during the partition, made his debut against Pakistan in 1977-78 and immediately made his mark as a genuine fast medium swing bowler. India, till then, were so dependent on spin the opening bowlers used to be given a couple of overs to wear the shine off the ball.

In a career spanning 17 years, Kapil Dev became one of the most dangerous all-rounders cricketing world has seen. His name in the sports Hall of Fame is reserved for his bowling feats alone, climbing one summit after the other to become the highest wicket-taker 434 in the history of Test cricket. Add the 5,248 runs he made at that level and his profile asone of the most complete all-rounders ever is complete.

His crowing glory came in 1983 when he led India against all odds to victory in the Prudential one-day World Cup Championship in England by beating West Indies in the final at Lord's. His own contribution in the team winning the Cup was phenomenal. His innings of 175 against Zimbabwe, after India were 17 for five wickets, is still talked in awe. The catch he took to dismiss the rampaging Vivian Richards in the final is still vivid in the memory of cricket fans.

He captained India with great verve and in 1985-86, his side's convincing 2-0 series win against England is still the most decisive victory for India while playing abroad.

Today, as coach of the team, he has taken a challenging responsibility upon himself to see the Indians develop in to a strong team.

FACTFILE