India’s first World Cup-winning cricket captain Kapil Dev underwent an angioplasty after suffering a heart attack here on Friday but is “well on the road to recovery” and likely to be discharged in the next couple of days.
The 61-year-old, who is based in Delhi’s Sundar Nagar area, complained of chest pain on Thursday following which he was taken to Fortis Escorts Heart Institute emergency department in Okhla.
“Kapil Dev suffered a heart attack. He was evaluated and an emergency coronary angioplasty was performed in the middle of night...Currently, he is admitted in ICU and under close supervision of Dr Atul Mathur. Kapil Dev is stable now and he is expected to get discharged in a couple of days,” the hospital said after only mentioning chest pain in its initial statement.
Angioplasty is a procedure to open blocked arteries and restore normal blood flow to the heart.
Later in the day, a short statement on his instagram account expressed gratitude for the concern and support extended to his family.
“Thank you everyone for all the love and concern. I am overwhelmed with the good wishes and well on the road to recovery,” the statement read.
The 1983 World Cup-winning legendary all-rounder was wished a speedy recovery by many on social media, including India’s current captain Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar among others.
“Praying for your speedy recovery. Get well soon paaji,” Kohli said.
“Take care @therealkapildev! Praying for your quick recovery. Get well soon Paaji,” wished Tendulkar
Also wishing him good health were India batsman Shikhar Dhawan and badminton player Saina Nehwal.
“Wishing the @therealkapildev a swift recovery. The nation is well aware of his grit and spirit and we are very sure he will be out of the hospital soon,” said the BCCI.
Kapil’s former teammate Madan Lal said he has conveyed some of the concern of his well-wishers to the Chandigarh-born legend’s family.
“To those who have called to inquire your prayers and wishes are conveyed to the family and received with gratitude. Good health and strength kaps,” read a tweet from Kapil’s former teammate Madan Lal.
“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,” he added.
One of India’s greatest cricketers, Kapil played 131 Tests and 225 ODIs.
“You are a fighter and we know you will win this fight too,” tweeted BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.
The imposing former player, who also tried his hand at golf after retiring from cricket, is the only player to claim over 400 wickets (434) and accumulate more than 5000 runs in Tests.
He also served as India’s national coach between 1999 and 2000.
Kapil was inducted into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame in 2010.
“The big hearted #Kapildev our captain, with a never say die attitude, has recovered. For this mighty giant of Indian cricket nothing is impossible,” tweeted Kirti Azad, also a former teammate of Kapil.
“Kapil The invincible @therealkapildev is a great friend and super human being. Captain, Looking forward for a meal together soon,” he added.
Another World Cup-winning former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh said, “Dear paji. Praying for your speedy recovery! Get well soon please ...After cricket I still need some golfing lessons.”
Nicknamed the ‘Haryana Hurricane’, Kapil is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army.
