OTD | One of the greatest all rounder Kapil Dev made his Test debut in Faisalabad in 1978

On this day, we celebrate the Test debut of Kapil Dev in Faisalabad. In the history of Indian cricket, October 16, 1978, marks a significant milestone as the debut of one of the game’s greatest all-rounders, Kapil Dev. This day, in Faisalabad, Pakistan, a young 19-year-old Kapil stepped onto the international stage in what would become a legendary career. 

The debut wasn’t as glittering as one might expect for such an iconic figure, but it was the beginning of a journey that would forever change the course of Indian cricket. Kapil Dev, known for his robust and fierce attitude on the field, first caught the selectors’ eyes through his dominant performances in the Ranji Trophy for Haryana. 

With an ability to bowl fast and hit the ball hard, Kapil was seen as a promising all-rounder. His domestic success earned him a place in the Indian Test side for the Pakistan tour, and on this day, he got his first taste of international cricket.

The match at Faisalabad was against a formidable Pakistan team, boasting legends like Zaheer Abbas and Javed Miandad. Kapil was primarily chosen for his bowling, but his first innings figures were unremarkable. He struggled to make an impact as the Pakistani batting line-up piled on over 500 runs, with Abbas and Miandad putting together a huge 255-run partnership.

A blistering comeback to the scenes by Kapil Dev! 

However, Kapil’s moment came in the second innings when he claimed his first Test wicket, dismissing Sadiq Mohammad. It was a glimpse of the resilience and skill that would come to define his career. Though the match ended in a draw, and the series went in Pakistan’s favour 2-0, Kapil’s raw talent was undeniable.

The setback in Pakistan didn’t deter him. Just a year later, in 1979, Kapil returned with a vengeance against the same opponents in Chennai, grabbing an astonishing 11-wicket haul, including seven in one innings. That performance helped India to a memorable series win and solidified Kapil’s place as a rising star in world cricket.

Kapil Dev’s journey from that debut day to becoming a cricketing icon is nothing short of remarkable. His crowning glory came in 1983 when he led India to its first-ever World Cup triumph. Kapil’s unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe in that tournament, followed by his iconic catch to dismiss Vivian Richards in the final, remains etched in cricketing history.

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