<p>But on that day, in one of the most insignificant of cricket at Tunbridge Wells a knock was produced that proved to be a significant one, both in its immediate effect and in its aftermath. <br /><br />Little did one realise that Kapil Dev's 175 not out will turn out to one of the most defining knocks played by a batsman in the history of cricket. Struggling at a precarious 17 for five in a must-win match, Kapil played an innings that not just changed the course of the match and subsequently the tournament.<br /><br />Opting to bat first against a lowly Zimbabwe, India were reeling at nine for four when Kapil walked in. A few minutes and fewer runs later, Kapil lost Yashpal Sharma.<br /><br />If there was an occasion that begged for a captain's innings, it was this. At stake was India's very entry into the semifinals. The Haryana hurricane obliged and how! The right-hander faced 138 balls, hit six sixes and 16 fours and by the time he was back unconquered, he had helped India to a winning total. <br /><br />After setting a target of 269, India emerged a 31-run victor. It's a pity that the knock, regarded by many as the greatest one-day innings, was not caught on camera as the BBC crew was on strike on that day.</p>
<p>But on that day, in one of the most insignificant of cricket at Tunbridge Wells a knock was produced that proved to be a significant one, both in its immediate effect and in its aftermath. <br /><br />Little did one realise that Kapil Dev's 175 not out will turn out to one of the most defining knocks played by a batsman in the history of cricket. Struggling at a precarious 17 for five in a must-win match, Kapil played an innings that not just changed the course of the match and subsequently the tournament.<br /><br />Opting to bat first against a lowly Zimbabwe, India were reeling at nine for four when Kapil walked in. A few minutes and fewer runs later, Kapil lost Yashpal Sharma.<br /><br />If there was an occasion that begged for a captain's innings, it was this. At stake was India's very entry into the semifinals. The Haryana hurricane obliged and how! The right-hander faced 138 balls, hit six sixes and 16 fours and by the time he was back unconquered, he had helped India to a winning total. <br /><br />After setting a target of 269, India emerged a 31-run victor. It's a pity that the knock, regarded by many as the greatest one-day innings, was not caught on camera as the BBC crew was on strike on that day.</p>
