Kapil Dev undergoes angioplasty after mild heart attack, stable

The captain of the 1983 cricket world cup-winning team and former India all-rounder Kapil Dev underwent an angioplasty at a hospital in New Delhi after suffering a mild heart attack. He is recovering and his condition is stable, hospital officials said.  

The 61-year-old Dev was rushed to the Escorts Hospital after he complained of uneasiness on Thursday night. He underwent some tests and doctors advised an angioplasty saying he had suffered a mild attack. Stents were placed during the treatment procedure, doctors said.

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“According to the doctors, the procedure was successful,” Dev’s friend and a member of the 1983 team Madan Lal said in a post on the social media.  

He will remain in hospital for a couple of days before being discharged. He will need rest for at least three weeks, the doctors said.

Many sporting personalities, including Shikhar Dhawan and Saina Nehwal, have posted messages wishing him a speedy recovery. 

“Please join me in sending prayers, strength and good wishes to Kapil and (wife) Romi Dev for his speedy recovery. Kapil was taken to the hospital in time as he complained of uneasiness. As per the doctors, the procedure has been successful and he will be home soon,” Madan Lal said in the social media post.

Kapil Dev led underdogs India to victory in the 1983 world cup held in England. He single-handedly rescued India who were tottering at 17/5 with a score of 175 (not out) in 138 balls in a must-win encounter against Zimbabwe. 

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India beat England in the semi-finals and defeated the mighty West Indies, the team that was the favourite to win the tournament, in the finals. Dev is still remembered for taking the catch running backwards that dismissed the dangerous Viv Richards in the finals. 

The victory laid the foundation for the game’s popularity in India. His last game for India was in Octiber 1994.   

In the past few years, he has been involved in commentating on cricket matches. A fitness freak, he has also been playing golf, which has now become a passion for him.