Happy Birthday Kapil Dev - India's greatest captain, allrounder and the person who made cricket a religion

Kapil Dev's greatest feat in the history of cricket might be the fact that he is the first player to score 5000 runs and take 400 wickets. In his 16-year career, Kapil Dev has led India to Test glory and when he broke the record of the most wickets held by Sir Richard Hadlee in 1993, Kapil Dev symbolised how longetivity can be utlisied for greatness. Even in ODIs, Kapil Dev was the leading wicket-taker for some time and with the bat, he redefined aggressive hitting in that era. (Image credit: Twitter)

Ironically, Kapil Dev's greatest moment came in a match which was never televised due to a TV strike by the BBC at that time. India were reeling at 17/5 against Zimbabwe at Turnbridge Wells but Kapil Dev stepped up and played the innings of a lifetime. His 175 helped India recover and they avoided getting upset by Zimbabwe, who had earlier beaten Australia. It is a shame that this knock will only be a subject to imagination as there was no footage available. (Image credit: Twitter)

What is the most remarkable thing in Kapil Dev's entire career? His World Cup win- yes but not remarkable. His records - Yes but not really. Then what is? In 16 years, Kapil Dev has never bowled a single no-ball at any level. This level of discipline is unbelievabe and it has never been repeated. Kapil Dev never bowled a single no ball in his 16-year career and that is a feat no one can emulate. (Image credit: Twitter)

But perhaps, the greatest moment will always be the number of major trophies he has won. The 1983 World Cup, the 1985 Benson and Hedges world series and remarkably, Haryana's only Ranji Trophy win in 1991 when they defeated the might of Bombay in their fortress of the Wankhede stadium. That Bombay side featured the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Vinod Kambli, Sanjay Manjrekar and Dilip Vengsarkar. Only Kapil Dev would have made this possible. (Image credit: Twitter)

Cricket World Cup win. Benson and Hedges World Championship. Ranji Trophy. England glory. Total dominance. Oh yes, if one wants to avoid a follow-on with just one wicket remaining, hit sixes at will. Kapil Dev hit four sixes in one over bowled by Eddie Hemmings as India avoided the follow-on in dramatic style but they could not win the match. Happy Birthday, Kapil paaji. Truly, one of the greatest that was and ever will be. (Image credit: Twitter)