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Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj is a former Indian cricketer and captain best known for leading India to its first Cricket World Cup title in 1983.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj is a former Indian cricketer and captain best known for leading India to its first Cricket World Cup title in 1983. Regarded as one of the game’s greatest all-rounders and fast bowlers, he had a long international career from 1978 to 1994. He is the only cricketer to have scored over 5,000 runs and taken more than 400 wickets in Test cricket.

Early life

Kapil Dev was born in Chandigarh, India, on 6 January 1959. Sources identify his birth name as Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj.

International cricket career

He made his Test debut in 1978 and became a mainstay of India’s Test and ODI teams over the next 16 years. His record as a fast-bowling all-rounder made him one of the most distinctive players of his era. Kapil Dev played 131 Test matches and 225 One Day Internationals for India. He scored 5,248 Test runs and took 434 Test wickets.

1983 Cricket World Cup

Kapil Dev captained India to its first Cricket World Cup title in 1983. During that tournament, he also became famous for his unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe.

Records and recognition

Kapil Dev retired with 5,248 Test runs and 434 Test wickets, a combination unmatched in Test cricket. He received major honours including the Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century title and ICC Hall of Fame induction. He was named Indian Cricketer of the Century by Wisden in 2002. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. For related topics, see Sachin Tendulkar, Indian Premier League, and Hardik Pandya.

Key facts

  • Kapil Dev played 131 Test matches and 225 One Day Internationals for India.
  • He scored 5,248 Test runs and took 434 Test wickets.
  • He led India to its first Cricket World Cup victory in 1983.
  • He is the only cricketer to have scored over 5,000 runs and taken more than 400 wickets in Test cricket.
  • He was named Indian Cricketer of the Century by Wisden in 2002 and inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kapil Dev?
Kapil Dev is a former Indian cricketer, all-rounder, and captain who led India to its first Cricket World Cup win in 1983.
What is Kapil Dev famous for?
He is best known for captaining India to the 1983 World Cup title and for his exceptional record as a fast-bowling all-rounder.
What were Kapil Dev’s Test statistics?
He played 131 Tests, scored 5,248 runs, and took 434 wickets.
What is Kapil Dev’s connection to the World Cup?
He captained India to victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup, India’s first World Cup title.
Has Kapil Dev received major honours?
Yes. He was named Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century in 2002 and later inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kapil-Dev
    Supports: Birth date and place; identification as an Indian cricketer; Test batting and bowling milestone.
  2. International Cricket Council — https://www.icc-cricket.com/hall-of-fame/hall-of-famers/hall-of-famer-kapil-dev
    Supports: 1983 World Cup captaincy; Test and ODI career totals; unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe; Hall of Fame context.
  3. Laureus — https://www.laureus.com/world-sports-academy/members/kapil-dev
    Supports: Test career span, runs and wickets, and recognition as a leading all-rounder.
  4. Hindustan Times — https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/players/kapil-dev-1682
    Supports: 1983 World Cup victory; Indian Cricketer of the Century recognition; post-retirement coaching.