He forced opposing batsmen to run for their helmets, infusing pace, swing and hostility, in a measured way, into the proceedings. Kapil was an integral member of the golden era for all-rounders – also consisting Ian Botham, Imran Khan and Richard Hadlee – and for the decade and half he strode Indian cricket, was the man any fan would back to win a scrap on the cricket field.

A gifted player who made his India mark as a teenager in the toughest of venues, Pakistan, Kapil led the team’s pace attack for long, going on to finish as the world record for most Test wickets. As captain, he led from the front. Who can forget his sensational 175 not out to pull the team back from the brink against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup or the athletic effort to take the vital catch of Viv Richards in the final triumph against the West Indies? An achievement that helped transform India into the global cricket hub. His contribution to Indian cricket goes beyond the national colours, or whites. And when Kapil led Haryana to Ranji Trophy success, he sent a message to the smaller state sides that they can also dream big. Always available to help any pace bowler who seeks him out for help, Kapil was the ideal motivator during his tenure as India coach. An outspoken voice in the game, Kapil has never shied away from giving his take, whether it is on the players or the administrators.

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