OTD| Kapil Dev’s record 432 wickets was celebrated with 432 balloons during the Test against Sri Lanka in 1994

On this day, former legendary Indian cricketer Kapil Dev scripted history as he surpassed Sir Richard Hadlee to become the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket. The former Indian captain picked up his 432nd wicket against Sri Lanka in the Ahmedabad Test and to commemorate this achievement 432 balloons were aired with spectators appreciating the genius of the man. 

The culmination of a legendary career

India and Sri Lanka arrived in Ahmedabad for the third and final match of the Test series. India had an unbeatable 2-0 lead and the home side was aiming at a clean sweep. Along with the clean sweep, there was one more thing that had kept the fans in anticipation and it was the inevitable crowning moment of Kapil Dev as the highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket. 

Arjuna Ranatunga won the toss for Sri Lanka and decided to bat first. The visitors got a steady start but the opening partnership could not last long as Roshan Mahanama was caught off guard by Anil Kumble in front of the stumps. The Indians did not take too long to give another setback but this dismissal was one for the record books. Kapil Dev dismissed Hashan Tillakaratne to take his 432nd wicket as the whole stadium stood in awe and reverence for the great man. 

This was a special moment for every Indian cricket fan as before Kapil’s emergence in international cricket India was not known for its fast-bowling prowess. The veteran all-rounder was a trailblazer and his becoming the highest wicket-taker in international cricket was a huge moment for fans. 

India dominated the rest of the Test match and eventually won by a massive margin of an innings and 17 runs. The Indian skipper, Mohammad Azharuddin, led the team from the front as he scored 152 runs in the first innings which gave India a victorious lead in the match. With this victory, India also sealed the series in style.