Die-hard fans of Indian cricket would have most definitely heard of Kapil Dev's 175, an innings which is now part of cricketing folklore and is often regarded as one of the best-ever played in the history of the One Day Internationals (ODIs). The fact that the knock came in a crunch World Cup fixture with the side literally with their backs against the wall adds to its value. While India were first reduced for 17/5 before going down 77/6 and further 140/8, it was pretty much a one man show with Kapil taking the onus on himself to take India to a solid total. The innings was played 40 years go on this day- preciesely on June 18, 1983 at the Tunbridge Wells Stadium in England
Consequently, India went on to post 266/8. The Haryana Hurricane smashed 16 boundaries and six sixes in that innings which only those present at the venue could witness as the BBC did not telecast this match. However, someone who had the best seat in the house and ensured that Dev did not actually run out of partners has now shared a hilarious anecdote related to the match. This happens to be none other than the wicketkeeper of that World Cup-winning team Syed Kirmani. Notably, Kirmani was involved in an unbeaten 126-run partnership with Dev.
And now the stumper recalled the turn of events leading up to him joining the captain of that side in the middle.
"I was never considered an allrounder, so used to bat way down the batting order," Kirmani said on Star Sports.
"So there were seven allrounders in front of me. Against Zimbabwe, Kapil Dev won the toss and decided to bat so I was all relaxed. I was getting ready for a shower and nice breakfast, had wrapped myself in a towel. And then all of a sudden, somebody yelled from outside ‘Pad up, Kiri!’. I thought they are pulling my leg so I ignored. But then they yelled again. This time I looked outside the window at the scoreboard and saw 17/5/. Believe me, the towel I was wearing slipped," he added.
"I don’t remember whether I had breakfast and ho quickly I padded up and went out to join Kapil Dev. I could understand he was disappointed at the performance in a knockout game. But I haven’t seen a more devastating innings by anyone in that situation," he said.