A combined all-time Test XI from India and England

#8 Kapil Dev

Kapil’s aggressive batting and penetrative bowling endeared him to the masses

Before Kapil Dev came along, the new ball would often be an aberration for India to see off before the spinners could get their hands on it. The excitement generated by his entry was writ on the faces of the slip fielders when they saw an Indian fast bowler operating from a long run-up and landing the ball flush on the keeper’s gloves.

It was no coincidence that the ‘Haryana Hurricane’ was anointed as India's Cricketer of the Century in 2002 even though the likes of Gavaskar and Tendulkar were also vying for the title. A delightfully simple approach with the bat helped turn plenty of games on its head. Such was his impact that India have not been able to replace him even after 22 years since his retirement.