Agencies 
 
Jan 7: It’s great that Kapil has hit another half-century. I wish him all the best for the future. He is even capable of hitting a century in life.

What made Kapil stand out was that he was a very practical skipper, who kept things simple and straightforward. He was sincere and committed towards the game and with regard to the team. It goes without saying that he was very talented. All these virtues made him one of the greatest all-rounders the world has seen.

The first time I met Kapil was at an India camp organised in Bangalore in 1974. Kapil and Yograj Singh were the two promising young bowlers and they were called to bowl against the Indian batsmen. Kapil came up to me and requested me to autograph his bat, a rather old one.

Little did I know then that this chap would go onto become one of the all-time greats. We have shared some great partnerships on the field. The unbeaten 126-run stand against Zimbabwe at Tunbridge Wells in the 1983 World Cup is one of them where Kapil remained not out on 175 and I was unbeaten on 24. Also c Kirmani b Kapil has effected 51 dismissals.

—Former India wicketkeeper spoke to Nihal Koshie