When Kapil the Devil spoiled Zimbabwe party

Blast from the past

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.