WATCH: Kapil Dev Kidnapped? Viral Video Stirs Concern and Intrigue

Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev recently stirred concern among fans and fellow cricketers when a video emerged on social media showing him being handcuffed and led into a room by two unidentified individuals. The footage left many questioning its authenticity, with some speculating it might be an elaborate advertising stunt.

One of India’s prominent cricketers, Gautam Gambhir, took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his concerns about Kapil Dev’s well-being. He posted, “Anyone else received this clip, too? Hope it’s not actually @therealkapildev and that Kapil Paaji is fine!”

Anyone else received this clip, too? Hope it’s not actually @therealkapildev 🤞and that Kapil Paaji is fine! pic.twitter.com/KsIV33Dbmp

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 25, 2023

However, it has since been clarified that the video was part of a promotional shoot for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India. Gambhir shared this update on social media, saying, “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.”

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 pic.twitter.com/755RVcpCgG

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 26, 2023

Kapil Dev, who made his international cricket debut in October 1978 against Pakistan, has a remarkable cricketing career. He played 131 Test matches, amassing 5,248 runs and taking 438 wickets in the longest format of the game. In One-Day Internationals, he represented India in 225 matches, securing 253 wickets and scoring 3,783 runs. Kapil Dev is particularly renowned for his iconic knock of 175 runs against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup, a tournament in which India clinched their maiden World Cup by defeating the West Indies in the final.

Kapil Dev, honoured with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards, bid farewell to his playing career in 1994, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cricket.