India’s 1983 World Cup-winning skipper, Kapil Dev shared his thoughts comparisons with the likes of Imran Khan, Ian Botham, and Richard Hadlee, saying he was the fittest of all three as an athlete if not the greatest. Imran, Hadlee, Kapil Dev, and Ian Botham stand out for their outstanding contribution and incredible performances. These four players played a crucial role in improving the overall performance of their respective teams.
Kapil captained Team India to lift their first World Cup victory, whereas Imran Khan turned the image of Pakistan in World cricket and helped them to become world champions. With Ian Botham, England played the best cricket of that era and he was often the catalyst in their success.
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Talking about them during the Inside Out Podcast with WV Raman, the former Indian skipper said, “I wouldn’t say I was the greatest, but I was a better athlete than all three put together. The best bowling was Richard Hadlee’s – he was like a computer among the four of us.”
Kapil was impressed by Imran Khan’s dedication and determination to improve each passing day as he rated former Pakistan skipper the most hardworking player he has ever seen.
Former Indian all-rounder said, “Wouldn’t say Imran Khan was the best athlete or the most natural, but he was the most hardworking player we’ve seen. When he started out, he looked like an ordinary bowler, but then he became a very hardworking fast bowler and he learned by himself. And then he worked on his batting as well.”
Kapil Dev also rated Hadlee as the best bowler among the four as he termed Botham as a true all-rounder.
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Legendary Indian all-rounder said, “Ian Botham was a true all-rounder – in given conditions, he could win a match on his own. I wouldn’t say Hadlee was the best batsman. Botham could do damage to the opposition both with bat [and ball]. Imran could run through the [opposition] team, but his ability as a leader was far better. To control the Pakistan team, he had a challenge.”
