ODI World Cup: Why Kapil Dev’s 175 no against Zimbabwe is considered as the greatest ODI innings?

The story of India’s 1983 World Cup triumph is littered with many iconic moments. However, skipper Kapil Dev’s 175 no is considered as the greatest ODI innings in world cricket so far.

It is the circumstance which makes Kapil’s knock so much special. An innings of 175 not out from just 138 balls is spectacular as is, especially in an era where scoring runs at that pace was a rarity, and especially since it was a record ODI score at the time.

In that match against Zimbabwe, Sunil Gavaskar was dismissed off the second ball of the match. Kris Srikkanth and Amarnath followed him back into the pavilion soon after. Matters got worse as Sandeep Patil departed as the fourth wicket. Then Kapil went to bat with his team’s score still in single digits.

Moreover, Yashpal got out soon. Subsequently, Kapil tried to rebuild the innings with a 60-run partnership with Roger Binny. Then he had a 62-run 8th-wicket stand with Madan Lal. 

Once the foundation was laid, Syed Kirmani came out to bat at 140/8. Kapil saw the opportunity to attack Zimbabwe’s inexperienced change bowlers. He used his famous long-handle and hit the ball to every part of the Tunbridge Wells ground.

Kapil took only 72 balls to reach his century on a pitch which had proved too challenging for the top order. Kapil’s marathon ton helped India score 266/8 in the stipulated 60 overs. It would have looked impossible with the team reeling under 17/5. Kapil hit 16 boundaries and six sixes during his explosive knock. It was an innings mixed with both tenacity and aggression.

Because of that innings of Kapil, India remained in the match and subsequently the tournament. Kapil’s innings motivated India so much that the minnows went on to beat mighty West Indies in the final to lift their maiden World Cup title. The innings is still considered as the greatest ODI knock ever played by any batsman across the globe.