By the late 70s, the world of cricket was forced to recognise the power and popularityof limited-overs cricket. No more would cricket remain a game played largely by theprivileged and appreciated primarily by the connoisseurs. Cricket had finally become onewith the people.
With his uncomplicated heroics, Kapil Dev Nikhanj enjoyed the gift of perfect timing. With the bat, the ball, the evolution of the game and,most important, with the growing multitude,of uncomplicated followers. Everyone dreams of playing the hero. Kapil was the ultimate hero. Capable of miracles on the field. And he did it his way. Defying the traditions of cricket. Not for him the glorious this, the delicate that, the exquisite this, the marvellous that. He forced the pundits to go beyond the regular parameters of cricket appreciation.Kapil Dev taught us the meaning and value of substance over style.
It was during his time that cricket was catapulted into a new age of professionalism. The standard set of elegant skills was no longer enough. The game now demanded a much higher level of stamina, innovation, flexibility,athleticism and daring. Without question, Kapil Dev was the chosen one. Combining the stamina of a horse, theathleticism of a panther and the heart of a lion. Fearless,uncomplaining, committed to thelast breath. He was the a reminder that cricket could be simple and exhilarating at thesame time.
Kapil Dev's impact on Indian cricket was much greater than thesum total of his record statistics. He represented hope and inspiration.Whenever he wasinside the arena, millions of Indians dared to dream. Sadly their hopes were crushed moreoften than not, because cricket is a team game and requires the majority of 11 players tosucceed at the same time. But one cannot take the inspiration away. His uncomplicatedperformances and, indeed,personality were instrumental in instilling belief inside thehearts of the aspiring millions. They took to the game and stuck to the game, safe in theknowledge that one didn't need to be a master craftsman, technician or stylist. If youwere all heart, and worked hard, you, you could dream of making it to the Indian team.After all, Kapil did, didn't he?
It was only as a leader of men that Kapil fell short of legendary, notwithstanding the World Cup triumph. In his naivete,perhaps, he believed in leading from the front and expecting everyone else to follow suit. But in a land pitted with diverse and devious agendas, such a philosophy is inadequate. Kapil suffered an the field and later, in a ridiculous drama, off it.
One could talk endlessly about the gigantic exploits of 'Kapil the lion-hearted'. The incredible World Cup triumph, the magnificent 175 not out, the four consecutive sixes to avoid a follow on, the innumerable five fore,matchwinning catches, et al. Instead of all that though, I'll settle for a simple description Kapil Dev was Indian crickets 'go-to' man. In a team game, that is the ultimate accolade.
Kapil Dev is one of the nominees for the Electrolux Kelvinator Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century Award
Chars Sharma is a television presenter
