Former cricketer and one of the world’s best wicketkeepers, Syed Kirmani released his autobiography ‘Stumped’ on his 75th birthday. On this occasion, Kapil Dev, who was the captain of Kirmani in the 1983 World Cup team, also specially reached Bengaluru. People like Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Infosys Chairman Narayana Murthy, former cricketer Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Erapalli Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrashekhar, Brijesh Patel also participated in the event.
Kapil Dev shared many things related to his cricket journey from his first meeting with Kirmani, and also told how there is a difference between his time and today’s cricket. On this occasion, DK Shivakumar said that today when he is participating in this program, he is not participating here as Deputy Chief Minister but as a fan of Kirmani. On the occasion of the book release, Kirmani also cut the 75th birthday cake and also gave autographs to the people on the book.
Syed Kirmani narrated the story of 1983 World Cup
During this, Syed Kirmani also mentioned an incident of the match against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup, in which Kapil Dev’s storm was seen. Kirmani told how he was preparing for breakfast and was in his room in the dressing room when he heard a voice from outside asking him to come out, because five wickets had fallen for 17 runs.
The former wicketkeeper recalled, “I was in my dressing room, preparing for breakfast and taking a bath, and suddenly a loud voice came from outside – ‘Five wickets for 17 runs, come out.’ The ground slipped beneath.”
The Indian team was the underdog in this World Cup and no one had confidence in its victory. India was facing a strong Zimbabwe, against whom its batting faltered. At one time India’s score was 140/8. Captain Kapil Dev was on the field when Kirmani came to bat. Kirmani further said about this match, “I went to Kapil and said, ‘We are in a do or die situation, we cannot give up just like that,’ and he replied, ‘We have to play at least 30 overs. Will be’.”
Syed Kirmani with Kapil Dev during the book launch.
This partnership proved to be very important for the match. Kapil Dev had scored unbeaten 175 runs in 138 balls in this match. During his innings he hit 16 fours and six sixes. On the other hand, Kirmani played a brilliant anchor role and scored unbeaten 24 runs in 56 balls with the help of 2 fours. On the basis of this partnership, India had scored 266 runs at the loss of 8 wickets in 60 overs. In response, Zimbabwe could score only 235 runs. India won this match by 31 runs. This partnership was never recorded on camera, but it is a legend in Indian cricket.
Kirmani’s autobiography, Stumped: Life Behind and Beyond the Twenty-Two Yards, was launched on 29 December, his 75th birthday. Kirmani promises that his book will contain many such heart-touching and interesting incidents related to his illustrious career, which will give inside information about cricket in the 80s.
Indian cricketers during the book launch of Syed Kirmani
Kirmani said about the book, “Everyone goes through good, bad, ups and downs – this is the untold story of my life. True stories without any bias or prejudice.”
The autobiography took five years for Kirmani and his co-writers Debashish Sengupta and Dakshesh Pathak. After a long time of planning, his old friends and former colleagues provided the final impetus to publish it. Regarding the book, Kirmani said, “I had made up my mind about five to six years ago and I was noting things down. Eventually, my 1983 teammates said, ‘Man you are speaking empty handed, when will the book come? Is it happening?’ And now that day has almost come.”
