Kapil Dev

Cricketer

Kapil Dev is a legendary former cricketer and Indian cricket team captain. Not only is he one of the world's greatest all-rounders in cricket, but also in life. He made his mark on the sport as a medium-fast bowler and a middle order batsman. Under his captaincy, the Indian National team won the 1983 Cricket World Cup. He was awarded with Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, some of India's highest civilian accolades, and his career and cricketing fame has spanned multiple generations.

The record-breaking cricketer, Kapil Dev held the world record for taking the highest number of wickets in Test cricket before retiring from the sport in 1994. His passion for the sport also led him to coach the Indian National Team after his retirement. He is named as "Cricketer of the Century" and is inducted into the International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame.

His success transcends past cricket and into his personal life, being an incredibly successful author of four books, By God's Decree, Cricket My Style, and Straight from the Heart and We, The Sikhs and has become one of India's greatest inspirations to all.

Kapil Dev's remarkable cricket career was the inspiration behind the hit Indian film 83. The film follows the journey of the Indian Cricket team, winning the 1983 World Cup. We are honoured to welcome Kapil Dev to the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne's Independence Day celebrations in 2022. We are incredibly proud to announce that he will be hoisting the Indian Flag in Federation Square in our opening ceremony.