🏏 About Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of cricket, is a former Indian cricketer who led India to its first-ever Cricket World Cup victory in 1983. Born on January 6, 1959, in Chandigarh, India, Kapil was known for his explosive batting, fierce fast bowling, and inspirational leadership.
Nicknamed “The Haryana Hurricane”, he played as a right-handed batsman and a right-arm fast-medium bowler. His ability to swing the ball and play aggressive knocks made him a formidable force in international cricket.
Kapil Dev made his international debut in 1978 against Pakistan and went on to play 131 Test matches and 225 ODIs. He was the first player in history to take 400 Test wickets and score 5,000 Test runs, showcasing his dominance in both departments. His most iconic moment came when he lifted the World Cup trophy at Lord’s in 1983, after defeating the mighty West Indies — a historic event that changed Indian cricket forever.
After retiring in 1994, Kapil Dev briefly served as the coach of the Indian national team and later transitioned into a commentator, public speaker, and entrepreneur. He’s also known for his passion for golf, often seen participating in celebrity and amateur tournaments.
Kapil has been honored with numerous accolades including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century in 2002. His life and cricketing journey were celebrated in the Bollywood film “83” (2021), where actor Ranveer Singh portrayed him.
Kapil Dev remains a legendary figure in Indian sports, inspiring generations with his grit, humility, and game-changing legacy.
🧑 Personal Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj |
| Nickname | The Haryana Hurricane |
| Birth Date | January 6, 1959 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 66 years |
| Birth Place | Chandigarh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Profession | Former Cricketer, Coach, Commentator |
📏 Physical Stats
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 80 kg (176 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (now grey) |
| Body Type | Athletic |
👨👩👧👦 Family Details
| Relation | Name |
|---|---|
| Father | Ramlal Nikhanj |
| Mother | Raj Kumari Lajwanti |
| Spouse | Romi Bhatia (m. 1980) |
| Children | Amiya Dev (Daughter) |
| Siblings | 6 (He is one of seven children) |
🏏 Cricket Career Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast-medium |
| Role | All-rounder |
| International Debut | ODI: Oct 1, 1978 vs Pakistan |
| Test: Oct 16, 1978 vs Pakistan | |
| Matches Played (Test) | 131 |
| Matches Played (ODI) | 225 |
| Total Wickets (Test) | 434 |
| Total Wickets (ODI) | 253 |
| Total Runs (Test) | 5,248 |
| Total Runs (ODI) | 3,783 |
| Captaincy Highlight | Won 1983 Cricket World Cup for India |
🏆 Awards & Honors
| Award/Honor | Year |
|---|---|
| Padma Shri | 1982 |
| Padma Bhushan | 1991 |
| Wisden Cricketer of the Year | 1983 |
| ICC Cricket Hall of Fame | 2010 |
| Arjuna Award | 1979-80 |
🌐 Other Information (Wiki Style)
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Coaching Role | India’s National Cricket Coach (1999–2000) |
| Film Appearance | Cameo in several cricket documentaries and Bollywood |
| Autobiography | Straight from the Heart |
| Biopic Film | 83 (Played by Ranveer Singh) |
| Business Ventures | Owns a chain of hotels and is involved in golf academies |
| Hobbies | Golf, Travelling, Fitness |
