Kapil Dev Biography: Life, Career, Records, and Achievements

Quick Info →
Age: 67 Years
Hometown: Chandigarh, India
Profession: Former Cricketer

Bio/Wiki

Full NameKapil Dev Nikhanj
ProfessionFormer Cricketer, Cricket Coach, and Commentator
Famous ForCaptaining India to its historic first-ever Cricket World Cup victory in 1983 and for being one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the sport

Physical Stats & More

Eye colourDark Brown
Hair ColourSalt & Pepper
Height6' 0" (183 cm)
Weight80 Kg

Career

Cricket CareerKapil Dev made his international debut for India in 1978. He became one of India’s greatest all-rounders and served as the captain of the Indian cricket team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup.
AchievementsLed India to its first Cricket World Cup victory in 1983. Became the first Indian cricketer to take 400 Test wickets. Was the first Indian player to achieve the double of 400 Test wickets and 4,000 Test runs. Regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history. Served as the coach of the Indian cricket team. Inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
Awards & HonoursPadma Shri (1982) Padma Bhushan (1994) Wisden Cricketer of the Year (1983) ICC Cricket Hall of Fame (2009) India’s Greatest Cricketer recognition in various cricket polls and honours

Personal Life

Date of Birth6 January 1959
Age67 years (as of July 2026)
BirthplaceChandigarh, India
Zodiac SignCapricorn
NationalityIndian
ReligionHinduism
CasteJat
ControversiesKapil Dev has generally maintained a respected public image, although he has occasionally faced criticism and controversies related to cricket administration, coaching decisions, and professional matters.

Relationships & More

Marital StatusMarried

Family

Wife/SpouseRomi Bhatia
FatherRam Lal Nikhanj
MotherRaj Kumari Ram Lal Nikhanj
ChildrenAmiya Dev

Favourites

HobbyPlaying Golf, Table Tennis, and Squash, Watching Films

Money Factor

Net Worth (approx)$30 million

Some Lesser Known Facts

  • Kapil Dev was born in Chandigarh and grew up in a family with roots in Rawalpindi. His early life and sporting talent eventually led him toward a remarkable cricket career.
  • He was a naturally aggressive fast bowler during an era when India had very few world-class pace bowlers. His ability to bowl fast and swing the ball made him a special cricketer for Indian cricket.
  • Kapil Dev was known for his exceptional fitness and stamina. He remained an energetic all-rounder and played an important role with both bat and ball.
  • He became the youngest captain to win the Cricket World Cup at that time. Under his leadership, India won the 1983 World Cup by defeating the West Indies in the final.
  • Kapil Dev was a powerful and fearless batsman. He was famous for his attacking style and ability to change the course of a match quickly.
  • He was the first Indian cricketer to take 400 Test wickets. This achievement highlighted his importance as one of India’s greatest all-rounders.
  • Kapil Dev was also an excellent golfer. After his cricket career, he continued to show interest in the sport and participated in golf-related activities.
  • Kapil Dev has written books about his life and cricket experiences. Through his writing, he has shared insights into his career, challenges, and memories of Indian cricket.
  • He has appeared in films and television programs. His popularity as a cricket legend allowed him to make appearances outside the world of sports.
  • His iconic 1983 World Cup journey became an important moment in Indian sporting history. The victory helped inspire a new generation of Indian cricketers and increased the popularity of cricket across the country.
  • Kapil Dev comes from a close-knit family and is married to Romi Bhatia. They have a daughter named Amiya Dev, and his family has supported him throughout his successful cricket career.
  • Kapil Dev was the first Indian cricketer to take 200 wickets in Test cricket. He also became the first Indian player to achieve the remarkable double of 400 Test wickets and 4,000 Test runs.