Kapil Dev, one of India's finest cricketers, turns 66 today, on January 6. Born in Chandigarh, Kapil is considered by many as the finest fast-bowling all-rounder in Indian cricket history. The reason was because he could swing the ball in both directions. He was an absolute master at getting the length spot on. His greatest moment would probably be that he was the skipper when India won the very first Cricket World Cup in 1983. In the later part of his life, he served as coach for India starting from 1999; his stint there did not exceed a period of 10 months with very dismal performance. Kapil Dev Career Stats & Highlights Happy Birthday @therealkapildev 🏏 pic.twitter.com/39rrGQu0sW — CricketGully (@thecricketgully) January 6, 2025 Tests: Matches Played - 131, Wickets - 434, Runs - 5248. ODIs: Matches Played - 225, Wickets - 253, Runs - 3783. Centuries: Scored 9 centuries across all format. 20 four-wicket hauls, 24 five-wicket hauls, and 2 ten-wicket match hauls. Captained India to win the 1983 World Cup, besides winning two Asia Cup victories (1988, 1991). He holds the record for the best figures as a captain in Test innings. In 1983, he scalped 9 wickets of West Indies in a single innings at Ahmedabad. He never missed a Test match due to injury. During a Test against England in 1990, Kapil Dev smashed four consecutive sixes to Eddie Hemmings to avoid the follow-on. Also Read | Kapil Dev Net Worth: How Much Is the Cricket Legend Worth? Top 3 Batting Performances 175* vs Zimbabwe, 1983: Kapil's most notable knock was in the 1983 World Cup. India was in trouble at 17/5, but Kapil came to play a heroic unbeaten innings of 175 runs. His knock with 16 fours and 6 sixes saw India through by 31 runs. 163 v Sri Lanka, 1986: In a Test match at Kanpur, Kapil hit his highest Test score of 163 off 165 balls. For this knock, he hit 19 fours and 1 six. 129 vs South Africa, 1992: Kapil scored 129 runs as India was in trouble at 31/6 in a Test against South Africa. His innings had 14 fours and 1 six; he rescued the team. Also Read | Watch: Irfan Pathan Urges End to Superstar Culture in Indian Cricket Top 3 Bowling Performances 9/83 vs West Indies, 1983: Test-best bowling figures to date were scored by Kapil on occasion against the West Indies in Ahmedabad. It was in 1983's Test where he picked 9 wickets alone in the second innings inclduing the wickets of Viv Richards and Clive Lloyd. 8/106 against Australia, 1985 In a test hosted by Australia, Kapil's 8 first innings wickets included the wickets of Geoff Marsh and Allan Border, the finest batters of that period. 8/85 against Pakistan, 1983: Kapil took 8 wickets against Pakistan in a Test match, including big names like Javed Miandad and Imran Khan. The match ended in a draw, but his performance stood out. Kapil Dev's legacy as a cricketer and captain continues to inspire generations. Happy Birthday to this Indian legend!