The legendary cricketer and the former captain of the Indian cricket team, KapilDev was admitted into a hospital in Delhi after complaining of “chest pain”.
Following the complaint, he was shifted into Fortis Escorts Heart Institute situated on the Okhla Road of Delhi on 23rd October at 1 am. He underwent an emergency coronary angioplasty due to the heart issue. The angioplasty was concluded successfully and he is now told to be stable.
The hospital issued a statement regarding the 61-year-old cricketer’s health condition.
“Former Indian Cricket captain Mr. KapilDev, Age 62 years, came to Fortis Escorts Heart Institute (Okhla Road) emergency department at 1:00 am on 23rd October with a complaint of chest pain. He was evaluated and an emergency coronary Angioplasty was performed by Dr. AtulMathur, Director of Cardiology Department, in the middle of the night,” said the hospital.
It further added, “Currently, he is admitted in ICU and under the close supervision of Dr. AtulMathur and his team. Mr. KapilDev is stable now and he is expected to get discharged in a couple of days.”
There were a couple of reports that mentioned Mr. Dev suffering a heart attack. However, sources close to him slammed them, calling it “rumors” and said that he is doing better now. They said, “The heart attack was a rumor. He is absolutely fine.”
In a statement to PTI, Ashok Malhotra, President of the Indian Cricketers Association (ICA) said KapilDev started feeling unwell with uneasiness on Thursday after which he was shifted to a hospital in Delhi.
Mr. Malhotra said, “He is feeling okay now. I just spoke to his wife (Romi). He was feeling uneasy yesterday. He is undergoing check-ups at a hospital as we speak.”
Soon after the news of the cricketer broke out, messages and wishes of many cricketers and fans started pouring in from around the world. Virat Kohli, the present captain of the Indian cricket team too, wished him well for his speedy recovery.
“Wishing you a speedy recovery @therealkapildev sir. Strength always,” tweeted Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan.
Madan Lal, KapilDev’s former teammate wrote on Twitter, “To those who have called to inquire your prayers and wishes are conveyed to the family and received with gratitude. Good health and strength kaps.”
Saina Nehwal, GauthamGambhir, and many other sportspersons tweeted and wished the veterinary cricketer good health.
KapilDev was the pioneer in leading India to win the World Cup in 1983. Cricketers of the new generation still look up to him as the God of cricket.