Kapil Dev

Calcutta: Kapil Dev, one of three Indians in the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame, turns 50 on Tuesday. Hours away from his half-century, India’s solitary World Cup-winning captain spoke to The Telegraph from Delhi.

The following are excerpts:

Q Where will you be on Tuesday?

A In good old Delhi, don’t have plans to go anywhere.

Celebrations?

I’ll largely be at home (Sundar Nagar), with those closest to me... As for the celebrations, it’s on hold till January 16, my daughter Amiya’s birthday... Generally, we have a party together... She enters the teens this year and, so, her upcoming birthday is quite special for the family.

Is 50 just a number or...

(Laughs) One can’t feel old in a day or overnight! I guess I’ll have to look at other 50-year-olds to realise I’m in the same club.

How different will this landmark be?

Look, there can’t be a comparison with anything you do in cricket... I had a beautiful career... Those 17 years were special, very fulfilling... Since retirement (late 1994), I’ve felt contended in the other things that I’ve done... God has been kind.

Best moment?

Making my India debut (October 1978, in Pakistan)... After that would be captaining India to the (1983) World Cup win and becoming the world record-holder (February 1994, highest wicket-taker in Tests)... Outside cricket, I’d pick my marriage (to Romi, in 1981) and Amiya’s birth 15 years later... I feel complete and wouldn’t complain if God gave me the same life all over again... Yes, there have been what one could say mishaps... I wouldn’t like to go into details, but if some things don’t happen, then you probably won’t be able to appreciate the value of life.

Any regrets?

Perhaps that my father (Ramlal) couldn’t see me with the India cap... He died a few years before I got picked... Nothing else, really...

What’s left to achieve?

(After a pause) It’s difficult to talk of a goal but, yes, I’d like to continue being a good citizen... Contribute in whatever way I can.

The last one: Message for fans...

Thanks for your support... I believe good wishes make a difference and, so far, I’ve been blessed.