Kapil Dev undergoes angioplasty after heart attack
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, October 23
Former India captain Kapil Dev underwent an angioplasty in a city hospital in the early hours today after he complained of chest pains. Kapil, who was the captain of the Indian team that won the 1983 World Cup, was rushed to Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in Okhla around 1am after he complained of severe chest pains.
According to a hospital statement, and his own comments to fellow cricketers, he is doing well and out of danger. He is expected to be discharged from the hospital in the next couple of days.
“Former Indian cricket captain Mr Kapil Dev, 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 Atul Mathur, Director of Cardiology Department, in the middle of night,” the hospital said in a statement, and added: “Currently, he is admitted in ICU and under close supervision of Dr Atul Mathur and his team. Mr Kapil Dev is stable now and he is expected to get discharged in a couple of days.”
Road to recovery
Later in the evening, a statement was posted on his Instagram page, in which he thanked his well-wishers.
“Thank you everyone for all the love and concern. I am overwhelmed with the good wishes and well on the road to recovery,” the statement said.
However, early in the day there was a lot of confusion about India’s greatest ever all-rounder. When the new reports started to come out, his family and friends were tight-lipped about his condition and some even went on to say that his visit to a hospital was only a routine matter.
As news of his actual health condition trickled in, Indian captain Virat Kohli led the cricket community in wishing Kapil a speedy recovery. “Praying for your speedy recovery. Get well soon Paaji,” Kohli wrote on Twitter.
Kapil, who played 131 Tests and 225 One-day Internationals, is considered India’s greatest ever all-rounder and some rate him as India’s greatest ever cricketer.
Wishes to Kapil from Twitter
Take care Kapil Dev! Praying for your quick recovery. Get well soon Paaji. Sachin Tendulkar
Praying for your speedy recovery. Get well soon paaji. Virat Kohli
The big hearted Kapil Dev our captain, with a never say die attitude, has recovered. For this mighty giant of Indian cricket nothing is impossible. The invincible Kapil Dev is a great friend and super human being. Captain, looking forward for a meal together soon. Kirti Azad
Please join me in sending prayers, strength and good wishes to Kapil and Romi Dev for his speedy recovery. Kapil was taken to the hospital in time as he complained of uneasiness. As per the doctors the procedure has been successful and he will be home soon. Madan Lal
Dear paji Kapil Dev! Praying for your speedy recovery! Get well soon please. After cricket I still need some golfing lessons. Yuvraj Singh
