Indian Cricket Legend Kapil Dev on ‘Road to Recovery’ From Heart Surgery

Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev is “on the recovery” after undergoing emergency heart surgery in New Delhi.

On Friday, the 61-year-old, who led India to their first World Cup title in 1983, was rushed to a hospital in the capital after complaining of chest pain.

“Kapil Dev suffered a heart attack. He was assessed and emergency coronary angioplasty performed in the middle of the night” a hospital statement released to media.

“Kapil Dev is stable now and should be terminated in a few days,” they added.

In a brief statement on Twitter, Dev thanked fans for their outpouring of support and says, “Thank you all for all the love and concern. I am overwhelmed with good wishes and well on the road to recovery.”

On Friday, Kapil was admitted to Fortis-Escorts Heart Institute Hospital in South Delhi around 1 a.m. Dr. Atul Mathur, director of the cardiology department, successfully performed emergency coronary angioplasty.

The news sparked a wave of comments on social media from cricketers and fans, with current Indian captain Virat Kohli wishing the once-feared all-rounder a speedy recovery.

“Please join me in sending prayers, strength and good wishes,” said Madan Lal, a 1983 “Kapil’s Devils” bowler who stunned the West Indies in the World Cup final.

Dev has taken 687 test and one-day wickets and scored nearly 9,000 points in a 16-year international career.

After retiring in 1994, he became a national team coach and selector.

In 2002 Dev was named “Indian Cricketer of the Century” by Wisden.