I am overwhelmed: Kapil

Very much like his champion team on that historic day at Lord's in 1983, World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev Nikhanj upstaged more fancied rivals to be adjudged the greatest Indian cricketer of the century.

While Sachin Tendulkar was the popular choice, legendary batsman and Kapil Dev's contemporary Sunil Gavaskar was a front-runner for the distinction. But the 'Haryana Hurricane' left them both - and 13 other illustrious cricketers - behind to be selected the 'Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century' by a distinguished panel comprising former cricketers and sports journalists.

Gavaskar and Tendulkar also got their share of honour. Gavaskar's 1985 team that won the Benson and Hedges World Series in Australia was adjudged the best ever Indian side while Tendulkar was voted the greatest Indian cricketer in a nation-wide poll conducted by Wisden.

Kapil Dev, who held the world record of 434 Test wickets before being overtaken by West Indian Courtney Walsh and later by Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne, had led India to one of the biggest upsets in the history of one-day game when his team defeated the mighty West Indies to lift the World Cup in 1983.

Incidentally, it was one of the strongest pillars of that West Indian team - the great Viv Richards - who presented the award to Kapil.

Lauding the achievements of the former India captain, whose 5,248 runs and 434 wickets gives him the best all-round Test record, Richards said: "I am shaking in my boots to give the award to Kapil Dev."

Kapil, himself was a picture of humility in his moment of glory, attributed his success to guidance from senior players.

"I have no words to describe how I feel. Besides happiness and pride, I feel a sense of humility to have received this award. The other nominees for this award are my heroes, and being chosen from among my heroes is a great honour," he said.

"This has touched my heart and I am overwhelmed," he added.

Kapil also had a word of encouragement for Tendulkar.

"This little young master would one day cross us all over," he said, pointing to the master batsman, who along with Gavaskar, shared the stage with Kapil after the 16-name list had narrowed down to the three of them.

Mail Cricket Editor