After a recent video of India’s World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev being handcuffed surfaced on social media, former cricketer Gautam Gambhir had expressed concern over the latter’s well-being. In the video, Dev was forcibly led into a room by two unknown men. Netizens, including Gambhir, questioned the nature of this video: is it real footage or could it be an elaborate publicity stunt? However, Gambhir took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to reveal the context behind the video.
“Did anyone else get this clip? I hope it’s not real @therealkapildev and Kapil Paaji is doing well!”, Gambhir had posted on X.
Did anyone else receive this fragment? I hope it’s not real @therealkapildev and that Kapil Paaji is doing well! pic.twitter.com/KsIV33Dbmp
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 25, 2023
It has now emerged that the video was part of a promotional shoot for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India.
“Areh @therealkapildev paaji well played! Acting ka World Cup bhi aap hi jeetoge! Ab hamesha yaad rahega ki ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is free on @DisneyPlusHS mobile,” Gambhir posted on Tuesday.
Areh @therealkapildev Paaji well played! Acting ka World Cup bhi aap hi jeetoge! Ab hamesha yaad rahega ki ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is free @DisneyPlusHS mobile pic.twitter.com/755RVcpCgG
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 26, 2023
.@therealkapildev paaji ko kyun karna kidnap? #DisneyPlusHotstar shark na!
Dekho poora ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup bilkul FREE on mobile! Data saving mode ke saath!#ItnaSabFreeKa #WorldCupOnHotstar pic.twitter.com/LcoEcr3Iub
— Disney+ Hotstar (@DisneyPlusHS) September 26, 2023
Kapil Dev started his international career in October 1978 against Pakistan.
Dev played 131 Test matches for India, scoring 5,248 runs and also taking 438 wickets in the longest format of the game.
In One-Day Internationals, the all-rounder has represented the country in 225 matches.
He took 253 wickets and hit 3,783 runs. Dev scored just one century in the limited overs format – the famous 175 that came against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup.
In the same tournament, Kapil Dev’s heroics saw India win their first World Cup, beating West Indies in the final.
The Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee ended his playing career in 1994.
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