When Team India was nowhere close to being regarded as a ‘daunting force’ that it has been over the years, Kapil Dev instilled a belief within the national side that they can topple any team on their day. In addition, Kapil’s bold approach, strokeplay, ability to move the ball both ways and laudable fitness grabbed eyeballs during his playing days.

In the 1983 World Cup, Kapil and his troops created history by being the first subcontinental side to lift the Men’s Cricket World Cup at the iconic Lord’s balcony. His picture with the trophy remains etched in the minds of every Indian cricket fanatic, as it gave many an inspiration to become a professional cricketer.

One among them was Irfan Pathan, former Indian all-rounder, who retired from the gentlemen’s game in early 2020. Recalling Kapil Dev’s influence on him while growing up, Pathan told ESPNCricinfo, “I don’t think there was a bigger sporting hero than Kapil Dev when I was growing up. He was captain of the side, a match-winner with the bat, and he swung the ball. If anyone wanted to be an allrounder in India, there was no better role model.”

“I have watched very few of his games because not many matches were shown live those days. Even if they were, we couldn’t always watch because we didn’t have a TV at home. We had to go to our neighbour’s place. As kids we would tell each other, ‘Today I will show you how to take a catch while running backwards, just like Kapil Dev.’ While batting, we would try copying his Natraj shot,” stated Irfan on the legendary cricketer.

Sharing his fondest memory with Kapil Dev, Irfan opined, “My fondest memories, however, are of working with him at the Star Sports studio. The non-stop talk, eating jalebis… he always brings something or the other to eat. I consider myself lucky that I am working with my role model. A couple of years ago, he invited me for dinner to his home in Delhi and we chatted for a long time. You realise that despite being such a big icon, he is so humble. Watching him at work, interacting freely, having such a special bond… sometimes when I look back, it all feels so unreal,” concluded the 35-year-old.

While Irfan’s career was filled with promises, it didn’t end the way many speculated as he returned with 301 international scalps, Kapil ended with 434 and 253 wickets in Tests and ODIs respectively, along with 9 centuries overall. In addition, Kapil remains India’s leading wicket-taker among pacers in Tests and the second-highest from the country, 9th overall, after Anil Kumble (619).