Former India captain Kapil Dev suffered a massive heart attack on Friday morning and was immediately hospitalised at the Fortis Escort Hospital in Delhi. Following angioplasty, the 61-year-old cricket legend is reportedly in stable condition now.
The man known as the 'Haryana Hurricane' made his debut for India on October 1, 1978, playing against Pakistan in Quetta. Since then, he went on to represent his nation in 131 Tests, picking up 5,248 runs and 434 wickets. He also played for India in 225 ODIs, bagging 3,783 runs and scalping 253 wickets.
But of course, Kapil Dev's most significant and proudest achievement came in 1983, when he led India to its first and arguably most memorable World Cup triumph, defeating the then-mighty West Indies side in the final at Lord's. He was pivotal in the victory, bagging 12 wickets and scoring 303 runs at an average of 60.6, along with snaring seven catches in eight matches.
The man and his moment finally got immortalised on celluloid, as a Bollywood movie titled '83', starring Ranveer Singh in the role of Kapil Dev is in the works and soon to be released.
The news no doubt shook fans and well-wishers alike, who took to social media to express their wishes for a speedy recovery for the legendary cricketer.
Get well soon Paaji @therealkapildev
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 23, 2020
Concerned to learn that the legendary #KapilDev has suffered a heart attack & is in hospital. His mighty heart won many a battle for India. Wishing him the very best in winning this one too.
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) October 23, 2020
My prayers are with you hope you get well soon #Kapildev paji
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 23, 2020
Wishing you a speedy recovery @therealkapildev sir. Strength always.
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) October 23, 2020
Wishing you a speedy recovery @therealkapildev Sir .. Take care & God Bless
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) October 23, 2020
Let’s send a billion wishes and prayers to @therealkapildev. Get well soon, Paji.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 23, 2020
Get well soon Kapil Phaaji ...
You are a man with a BIG heart ..
A heart attack can't keep u down ..
Prayers for your speedy recovery. #Kapildev #legend pic.twitter.com/K2blEnWokR— Rahul Dev (@RahulDevRising) October 23, 2020
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Indranil Mukherjee
