Stumped: Syed Kirmani’s Autobiography Revisits Kapil Dev’s Iconic 175 and the 1983 World Cup Triumph

The book Stumped, co-authored by Syed Kirmani, Debashish Sengupta, and Dakshesh Pathak, provides fascinating insights into Kirmani’s career and the historic 1983 Cricket World Cup. It highlights Kapil Dev’s legendary 175 not out against Zimbabwe, a pivotal innings that changed Indian cricket forever.

Introduction to the Book

The autobiography Stumped by Syed Kirmani offers an engaging and humorous recounting of India’s unlikely triumph in the 1983 World Cup. The book provides an in-depth look at Kirmani’s career as a wicketkeeper and sheds light on key moments in cricket history, including Kapil Dev’s iconic innings against Zimbabwe.

• Authors: Syed Kirmani, Debashish Sengupta, Dakshesh Pathak
• Genre: Autobiography, Sports Memoir
• Publisher: [Publisher Name]
• Published Year: [Year]

Kapil Dev’s Historic 175 Not Out

One of the most remarkable chapters in the book revolves around Kapil Dev’s match-winning 175 not out in the 1983 World Cup. India had collapsed to 17/5 against Zimbabwe, and Kapil’s innings single-handedly rescued the team, taking them to 266/8. This knock, often hailed as the greatest ODI innings before Glenn Maxwell’s 201 in the 2023 World Cup, played a decisive role in India’s World Cup victory.

The Forgotten Partnership

While Kapil Dev’s innings is well remembered, Stumped highlights the unsung hero of that match—Syed Kirmani. His unbroken ninth-wicket partnership of 126 runs with Kapil Dev ensured India crossed 200, and his steady presence allowed Kapil to unleash his aggressive strokes. The book provides humorous anecdotes from Kirmani, including the moment he dropped his toast and towel upon seeing India’s disastrous start.

Kirmani’s Legacy as a Wicketkeeper

Beyond the World Cup, Stumped explores Kirmani’s contributions as one of India’s finest wicketkeepers. His reliable glove work complemented India’s bowlers, and his sharp reflexes ensured numerous dismissals off Kapil Dev’s bowling. The famous “c Kirmani b Kapil Dev” combination was a common sight in scoreboards during the 1980s.

Challenges and Controversies

The book also sheds light on Kirmani’s struggles post-retirement. Despite being one of India’s greatest wicketkeepers, he faced difficulties in receiving due recognition, including a delayed benefit match. He also discusses his disappointments in cricket administration, narrating instances where he felt unfairly treated.

Tributes from Teammates and Rivals

The book includes tributes from various cricketing legends, including:

• Anil Kumble – Highlights Kirmani’s meticulous personality, mentioning how he even washed his shoelaces.
• Sunil Gavaskar – Recalls how Kirmani would walk backward after deplaning to keep his thinning hair from flying.

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