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Kapil Dev Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated October 5, 2026 • 4 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth6 January 1959

Age66 Years

BirthplaceChandigarh, India

ProfessionCricketer, Businessman

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseRomi Bhatia

FamilyDaughter - Amiya Dev (born 16 January 1996)

Kapil Dev Biography

Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj is an Indian cricket legend whose career as a fast-medium bowler and powerful lower-order batsman defined an era. Remembered most‑

Early life and background

Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj was born on 6 January 1959 in Chandigarh, India. He grew up in a business family; his father worked as a builder and timber contractor. After spending part of his childhood in Fazilka, his family settled in Chandigarh, where he attended DAV Senior Secondary School, Sector 8‑C. He did not play serious cricket until his early teens, joining organised coaching under Desh Prem Azad in 1971 and making his first‑class debut for Haryana in November 1975, just before his 17th birthday.

Career

Kapil Dev made his international debut in 1978, appearing in both Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket against Pakistan. A right‑handed batsman and a right‑arm fast‑medium bowler, he developed an outswinging delivery that became a key weapon. He also adjusted his bowling approach over time on the advice of senior players to bowl from closer to the stumps.

He represented Haryana domestically for 17 years (1975–1992) and had spells in English county cricket with Northamptonshire and Worcestershire. Kapil combined pace bowling with aggressive lower‑order batting to become one of the game’s foremost all‑rounders. He amassed more than 5,000 Test runs and took 434 Test wickets, a combination that makes him unique in cricket history. Other notable milestones include becoming the youngest player to reach 100, 200 and 300 Test wickets and holding the record at the time of his retirement as the highest wicket‑taker in ODIs with 253 wickets.

Kapil’s batting produced some of the most memorable innings in Indian cricket. In the 1983 World Cup, he scored 303 runs, took 12 wickets and held seven catches. His unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe that year rescued India from early elimination and remains one of the finest ODI knocks of that era. As India’s captain, he led the team to its first Cricket World Cup title in 1983, a triumph secured with a famous victory at Lord’s where Kapil lifted the trophy on the balcony. His leadership and individual performances, including a nine‑wicket Test innings and exceptional fielding in the World Cup final, are among the high points of his playing career.

Across a long and durable international career, Kapil was noted for his fitness and consistency: he completed 184 Test innings without being run out and never missed a Test match because of injury or fitness reasons. He played his final Tests in March 1994 and retired from ODIs in October 1994.

Accolades and honours

Kapil Dev’s contributions to Indian sport have been recognised with a string of national and international honours. He received the Arjuna Award early in his career and was later awarded the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan. He was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year and later honoured as Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century. Kapil was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame and received lifetime achievement recognition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India. In 2008 he was honoured by the Indian Territorial Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Public profile

Kapil’s popularity extended beyond the cricket field into the commercial and public spheres. During the 1980s he became a familiar face in television commercials. Off the field, he pursued sporting interests such as golf and was an early Asian founding member of the Laureus Foundation. He has also been involved in business ventures, including restaurant ownership and stakes in various companies.

Personal life

Kapil Dev married Romi Bhatia in 1980. The couple have a daughter, Amiya Dev, who was born on 16 January 1996. His parents were Ram Lal Nikhanj and Raj Kumari Lajwanti; both are deceased. He has several siblings and maintains strong ties to his hometown of Chandigarh.

Latest updates

After retiring from playing in 1994, Kapil Dev remained active in sport and business. He took up golf, engaged in entrepreneurial activities such as restaurant ownership, and participated in efforts to develop sports infrastructure. His legacy endures through his records, honours, and the pivotal role he played in India’s 1983 World Cup victory.

Editorial Review and Sources

This F4U profile is written from publicly available career and profile information, then reviewed for clarity before publication. If you spot an outdated detail about Kapil Dev, send the page URL and a reliable correction source to f4udotin@gmail.com.

Reference context: StarsUnfolded
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Post-retirement business and sporting involvement

After retiring from cricket in 1994, Kapil Dev took up golf, became a founding Asian member of the Laureus Foundation and pursued various business ventures including restaurant ownership and stakes in companies involved in sports infrastructure.

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Career Highlights

  1. Led India to the 1983 Cricket World Cup title
  2. Only player with more than 5,000 Test runs and 400 Test wickets
  3. Youngest to reach 100, 200 and 300 Test wickets
  4. Unbeaten 175 in the 1983 World Cup to rescue India against Zimbabwe
  5. Named ICC Cricket Hall of Fame inductee and recipient of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan
Reviewed by F4U Editorial Desk

F4U profile pages are prepared from public career information, checked for readability, and updated when reliable correction sources are shared with the editorial team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Kapil Dev born?

Kapil Dev was born on 6 January 1959.

What is Kapil Dev known for?

Kapil Dev is known for cricketer, Businessman.

What is Kapil Dev’s marital status?

Kapil Dev's marital status is listed as Married.

Who is Kapil Dev married to?

Kapil Dev is publicly listed as married to Romi Bhatia.