Kapil Dev’s Wife: Age, Biography, Net Worth, Marriage & Life Story

Kapil Dev is one of the greatest all-rounders cricket has ever produced, a name that resonates with pride across every Indian household. Best known for leading India to its historic 1983 Cricket World Cup victory, he transformed the nation’s cricketing identity forever. Beyond the boundary ropes, his personal life — especially his long and devoted marriage to Romi Bhatia — reflects a story of love, loyalty, and partnership that has stood the test of time. This article dives deep into the life of the man behind the legend, exploring his family, marriage, career, and net worth. Whether you’re a cricket fan or simply curious about Kapil Dev’s wife name and personal journey, there’s much to discover about this remarkable life story.

Romi Bhatia entered Kapil Dev’s life at a young age and became the quiet anchor of his world off the field. She has consistently supported his ambitions, stood by him through serious health challenges, and helped raise their daughter Amiya Dev with warmth and grace. While Kapil captured the world’s attention with his cricketing feats, Romi quietly built the foundation of their home and family. Their relationship is widely regarded as one of the most stable and admired marriages in Indian sports history — a genuine celebrity marriage India rarely gets to witness up close. Together, they represent a partnership built on mutual respect and enduring love.

Kapil Dev’s story is one of grit, talent, and relentless determination that took him from Chandigarh’s streets to the world stage. Born into a modest Punjabi family, he developed his cricketing skills through sheer hard work and raw natural ability. His rise in Indian cricket was meteoric — by his early twenties, he was already regarded as one of the finest fast bowling all-rounders in the world. His career spanned 16 glorious years, during which he set records that stood for decades and inspired an entire generation. Even after retirement, his presence in the cricketing world as a commentator, coach, and entrepreneur has remained as commanding as ever.

At 66, Kapil Dev continues to live a life full of purpose, passion, and public engagement. From his involvement in golf course ventures and hospitality businesses to his regular appearances in cricket commentary, he remains an active and respected figure in Indian sports culture. His estimated net worth in 2025 of USD 30–35 million is a testament to his decades of hard work both on and off the field. He enjoys a luxurious yet grounded lifestyle that reflects his Punjabi values of hard work, family, and celebration. This biography brings you everything you need to know about the complete life story of this Indian cricket legend and his beloved family.

The story of Kapil Dev is incomplete without understanding the role his wife Romi Bhatia has played throughout his journey. She is not just a spouse but a life partner who has shaped the man behind the champion. Their love story, which began in their youth well before international fame arrived, blossomed into one of the most celebrated unions in Indian celebrity culture. From the highs of World Cup glory to life’s inevitable challenges, Romi has been a constant, unwavering presence. This article celebrates both of them — the cricketer the world knows and the woman who stood beside him every step of the way.

Quick Bio Table

Who Is Kapil Dev?

Kapil Dev Ramlal Nikhanj is a former Indian cricket legend universally celebrated as one of the greatest all-rounders the sport has ever seen. Born on January 6, 1959, in Chandigarh, he rose from humble beginnings to become the face of Indian cricket during the late 1970s and 1980s. His ability to both bat explosively and bowl at genuine pace made him a unique and irreplaceable presence in world cricket. He retired in 1994 as the world record holder for most Test wickets at the time — a milestone that reflected his extraordinary longevity and consistency across 16 years of international competition.

He is most famously remembered as the captain who led India to victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup — a triumph that changed the landscape of Indian cricket and turned the sport into a national obsession. Before that historic win, India was considered a rank outsider, but Kapil’s fearless leadership turned the impossible into reality. His legendary Kapil Dev 175 knock against Zimbabwe remains one of the most celebrated innings in World Cup history, even though it was never televised due to a BBC camera strike that day — making it cricket’s most talked-about unseen innings.

Beyond his playing days, Kapil Dev has served as coach of the Indian national cricket team, worked as a television commentary expert, and built a strong portfolio of business ventures including golf course development and hospitality. His post-retirement career has been as eventful and impactful as his playing days, and his insights on modern cricket remain highly valued. He remains a beloved figure on television screens across South Asia — a true all-rounder in every sense of the word.

Kapil Dev’s personality is as big as his cricketing legacy — warm, jovial, and unapologetically honest. He is known for his candid opinions, infectious laugh, and deep love for his country. He has received the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and the Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century award, along with induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2010 — honors that collectively paint the portrait of a player who elevated the game to new heights.

Today, Kapil Dev lives in New Delhi with his family and continues to be a prominent public figure. At 66, he radiates energy that belies his age — regularly playing golf, attending sporting events, and participating in cricketing discussions. His marriage to Romi Bhatia and their daughter Amiya remain his greatest sources of personal joy. Kapil Dev is not just a cricket legend — he is an institution, a role model, and a living symbol of what passion and commitment can achieve.

Early Life and Background

Kapil Dev was born on January 6, 1959, in Chandigarh — then a newly established city serving as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. He was born into a Punjabi family where hard work, community, and faith were central to daily life. His father, Ram Lal Nikhanj, ran a timber business, and the family, while modest, was grounded and respectable. Kapil was the sixth of seven children, growing up in a lively household that instilled resilience and determination in him from a very young age. These early years in Chandigarh shaped his character in ways that would define his future greatness.

From childhood, Kapil was drawn to cricket with a passion that set him apart from others in his neighborhood. He began his formal training under the guidance of coach Desh Prem Azad at the Sector 16 Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh, where his raw talent was quickly identified and nurtured. His natural athleticism, strong build, and fierce competitive spirit made him stand out even as a teenager. The commitment and focus he demonstrated during those early practice sessions laid the foundation for a historic international career that would span nearly two decades.

Kapil Dev made his first-class debut for Haryana at just 16 years of age in 1975, making an immediate impression with both bat and ball. His domestic performances were so impressive that he earned his Test debut for India against Pakistan in 1978, aged just 19 — a remarkable achievement for a young man from a non-metropolitan city. This was a time when Indian cricket was dominated by players from Mumbai and major urban centers, making Kapil’s early inclusion all the more exceptional. His selection was a validation of pure ability and relentless hard work.

Growing up in Chandigarh during the 1960s and 70s, Kapil was deeply influenced by the bold, fearless culture of Punjab — a culture that prizes physical strength and a never-say-die attitude. These values became embedded in his aggressive batting style and fast-medium bowling approach. His background gave him a fearlessness that was rare in Indian cricket at the time, which was often criticized for being overly cautious and conservative. Kapil’s approach to the game was refreshingly different and inspired a generation of young cricketers to play with freedom and confidence.

He studied at DAV School in Chandigarh, where he balanced academics with his growing passion for sport. Teachers and peers recall a cheerful, competitive young man who excelled in everything he put his mind to. The discipline he developed during his school years translated seamlessly into his professional career. Kapil Dev’s early life is a classic story of a small-town boy with enormous dreams who possessed the talent, temperament, and tenacity to turn those dreams into an enduring legacy.

Personal Life and Relationships

Kapil Dev’s personal life is largely defined by his deeply loving and enduring marriage to Romi Bhatia — one of the most celebrated unions in the history of Indian sports. The couple met when they were both young, long before Kapil had achieved any international fame. It was Kapil’s close friend Sunil Bhatia who first introduced him to Romi, and their first proper meeting took place in Delhi in 1979 when Kapil invited her to watch India’s Test match against the West Indies. It was reportedly Kapil’s natural charm and warmth that first won Romi Bhatia’s heart.

Romi Dev has been described as the quiet strength behind Kapil’s very public persona. She has largely stayed away from the spotlight, preferring to focus on her family and personal interests — including managing the family’s Kaptain Retreat hotel in Chandigarh — rather than seeking media attention. Despite her private nature, she has been present at every major milestone in Kapil’s career and life, from the 1983 World Cup celebrations to his health crisis in later years. Her calm, steadfast presence during Kapil’s cardiac arrest and angioplasty in September 2020 was widely noted and deeply admired.

The couple was blessed with a daughter, Amiya Dev, born in 1996 through IVF — a pioneering and courageous decision for a high-profile Indian couple at that time. Kapil and Romi openly discussed their IVF journey, helping reduce the social stigma around fertility treatments in India when such topics were rarely spoken about publicly. Amiya has grown up away from media attention, with her parents placing a high premium on giving her a normal, grounded upbringing. The Dev family’s warmth and closeness are consistently celebrated by those who have had the privilege of interacting with them personally.

Kapil’s health became a major public concern in September 2020 when he suffered a cardiac arrest and underwent emergency angioplasty in New Delhi. The news sent shockwaves across the cricket community worldwide. Romi was by his side throughout the entire ordeal, and Kapil made a full recovery — which he credited to his overall fitness levels and the extraordinary care and support of his family. The episode brought the couple’s remarkable bond into sharp focus and reminded millions of fans how precious the people closest to us truly are.

Outside of family life, Kapil Dev maintains close friendships with former teammates like Sunil Gavaskar, Mohinder Amarnath, and Roger Binny. He is regularly seen at cricket events, charity functions, and golf courses, always surrounded by people who genuinely enjoy his company. His social circle reflects the breadth and authenticity of his connections — spanning cricket legends, business personalities, and lifelong friends from Chandigarh. Kapil and Romi are known to celebrate festivals with great warmth and joy, and their personal life, by all accounts, is as rich and fulfilling as Kapil’s legendary professional journey.

Marriage And Break Up With Kamal Haasan’s Ex-Wife

According to reports that have circulated across Indian entertainment media, Kapil Dev was briefly linked romantically to actress Sarika — who later went on to marry Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan — during a period in the early 1980s when he and Romi Bhatia had temporarily parted ways. It was reportedly Manoj Kumar’s wife who introduced the two, and what began as a casual meeting reportedly developed into a relationship that Kapil even acknowledged to his parents in Punjab. Their mutual friends were said to be convinced the two would eventually marry. However, the relationship did not last — when Romi came back into the picture, Kapil chose to return to her, and the two reconciled before tying the knot in 1980.

It is worth noting that neither Kapil Dev nor Sarika ever publicly confirmed the full details of this alleged relationship, and much of what is known comes from entertainment media reports rather than direct statements from either party. What is clearly documented, however, is that Kapil Dev and Romi Bhatia have been married since 1980 — a union that has lasted over 44 years with extraordinary stability and mutual devotion. Their love story, which began with a cricket match invitation and a proposal on a Mumbai local train, remains one of the most admired celebrity marriages in India. Whatever preceded their marriage, the chapter that followed has been nothing short of remarkable.

Career and Achievement

Kapil Dev made his Test debut against Pakistan in October 1978 and instantly announced himself as a force to be reckoned with. His ability to swing the ball at genuine pace was a revelation for Indian cricket, which had traditionally been associated with spin bowling. In his very first Test series, he showcased the explosive batting combined with penetrating fast-medium bowling that would define his career for the next sixteen years. He quickly became the spearhead of India’s bowling attack — a role he would fill with remarkable consistency throughout the late 1970s and 1980s.

The pinnacle of his career came on June 25, 1983, when he led India to a stunning and largely unexpected victory in the Cricket World Cup at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. India defeated the mighty West Indies in the final — a result that stunned the cricketing world. His iconic Kapil Dev 175 not out against Zimbabwe in the group stage, played when India faced a humiliating early exit, remains one of the greatest World Cup innings ever played. That tournament victory fundamentally transformed cricket’s place in Indian culture and inspired millions of young cricketers across the country.

In terms of individual records, Kapil Dev’s bowling achievements are particularly extraordinary. He became the first bowler in history to claim 400 Test wickets, retiring with 434 Test wickets — a world record at the time of his retirement in 1994, later surpassed by Courtney Walsh. He achieved this through sustained excellence over 16 years, often bowling on flat Indian pitches that offered fast bowlers little support. With the bat, he scored 5,248 Test runs including eight centuries, making him one of the finest batting all-rounders the game has ever produced.

After retiring in 1994, Kapil Dev served as head coach of the Indian national cricket team from 1999 to 2000. He also co-founded the Indian Cricket League (ICL) and has been deeply involved in golf course development and hospitality businesses across India. His post-retirement career reflects the same energy and ambition that characterized his playing days, and his cricket commentary continues to draw large audiences who value his experience and directness.

His trophy cabinet includes the Arjuna Award (1979), Padma Shri (1982), Padma Bhushan (1991), the Wisden Indian Cricketer of the Century (2002), and induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame (2010). These honors, taken together, represent a career and a life lived at the very highest level of sporting excellence.

Net Worth Overview

Kapil Dev has built an impressive financial portfolio over decades of cricket, endorsements, and smart business investments, with his estimated Kapil Dev net worth in 2025 standing between $35–40 million USD. His wealth reflects both his iconic status in cricket and his savvy entrepreneurial instincts that have served him well long after his playing career ended.

Major Sources of Income

Kapil Dev’s financial success is built on a diverse and well-managed range of income streams that have kept him financially strong long after his retirement from professional cricket.

• Cricket Commentary & Broadcasting — He is a regular and highly paid expert commentator for major cricket tournaments across Indian and international television platforms.
• Brand Endorsements — Over the decades, Kapil has endorsed major brands including Boost, Palmolive, and numerous Indian and international companies who value his trustworthy image.
• Golf Course Business — He co-owns and is actively involved in golf course development across India, a growing and highly lucrative sector in Indian leisure and sports infrastructure.
• Hospitality Ventures — His family’s Kaptain Retreat hotel in Chandigarh — managed largely by Romi Bhatia — along with other hospitality investments, contributes meaningfully to the family’s income.
• Public Speaking Engagements — As a cricket legend and motivational figure, he commands significant fees for corporate speaking events across India and internationally.
• Cricket Coaching & Mentorship — His involvement in coaching academies and mentorship programs for young cricketers adds a steady revenue stream to his portfolio.
• Memorabilia and Legacy Licensing — As a national icon, his image and legacy are regularly licensed for cricket merchandise, advertising campaigns, and documentary productions.
• Real Estate Investments — Kapil Dev holds multiple properties across major Indian cities, the value of which has appreciated substantially and consistently over time.

Collectively, these income streams make Kapil Dev one of the financially most successful former cricketers in India, and his wealth continues to grow through disciplined investment and strong brand associations.

Luxurious Lifestyle

Kapil Dev enjoys a lifestyle that is refined, comfortable, and befitting of a national icon — without ever veering into unnecessary extravagance. He and Romi Bhatia live in an elegant home in New Delhi, and the couple travels regularly both within India and internationally, attending sporting events, business meetings, and personal holidays in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. His deep love for golf means he spends considerable leisure time on the fairway — a hobby that conveniently doubles as a business networking environment, given his significant investments in India’s golf sector. He owns a collection of luxury cars and is regularly photographed at high-profile social events across Delhi and Mumbai.

Despite his immense wealth and fame, those who know Kapil Dev personally note consistently that he has retained the warmth, simplicity, and groundedness of his Punjabi upbringing. He has a well-known love for traditional Punjabi cuisine and often says in interviews that a home-cooked meal beats any restaurant in the world. His lifestyle strikes a natural balance between the privileges his extraordinary success has earned him and the values instilled in him by his parents in Chandigarh decades ago. Whether hosting old friends at home, playing golf, or accepting an award at a glitzy ceremony, Kapil Dev always carries himself with the same easy confidence and joy that made him beloved on the cricket field.

Hobbies and Fun Facts

• Avid Golfer — Kapil Dev is a passionate golfer who plays regularly and has invested in golf course development across India, beautifully blending his favorite hobby with smart business.
• Fitness Enthusiast at 66 — He maintains an active fitness routine well into his sixties, staying in excellent physical shape that reflects his lifelong commitment to athletic discipline.
• Love for Punjabi Cuisine — He has a deep fondness for traditional Punjabi food and often says in interviews that no restaurant can match a good home-cooked meal.
• The Invisible World Cup Innings — His legendary 175 against Zimbabwe in 1983* was never broadcast on television because BBC cameras were off due to a strike — making it cricket’s most talked-about unseen innings ever.
• First to 400 Test Wickets Globally — Kapil was the first bowler in cricket history to claim 400 Test wickets, a record that stood until Courtney Walsh eventually surpassed it.
• IVF Pioneer Couple — He and Romi Bhatia were among the first high-profile Indian couples to openly discuss their use of IVF treatment, helping reduce social stigma around fertility in India.
• Commentator by Passion — He has stated in multiple interviews that he genuinely loves commentary because it keeps him connected to the game he has loved since childhood.
• Cardiac Arrest Survivor — In September 2020, he suffered a cardiac arrest and underwent emergency angioplasty, making a full recovery he credits to his fitness levels and his family’s unwavering support.

Future Prospects

• Kapil Dev is expected to continue expanding his golf course and hospitality business interests, with India’s leisure and sports infrastructure market growing rapidly and offering significant opportunity.
• He is likely to remain a prominent and influential voice in cricket broadcasting, particularly during high-profile ICC tournaments and IPL seasons where his expertise is highly sought after.
• Future documentary and biopic productions building on the success of the 2021 Bollywood film 83 could bring additional engagement, income, and a renewed spotlight on his remarkable legacy.
• His daughter Amiya Dev may eventually step into the public or business sphere, potentially extending the Dev family’s legacy into a proud new generation.
• Kapil Dev is widely expected to take on formal advisory or ambassadorial roles within Indian cricket governance and sports administration, cementing his influence on the sport’s future direction.

Impact on Social Media

• Despite not being a native digital personality, Kapil Dev commands strong and growing social media presence — particularly on Instagram and Twitter/X — where fans across generations celebrate his legacy daily.
• His posts spanning cricket insights, golf moments, and family milestones generate consistently high engagement from fans who grew up watching him play and younger audiences who discovered him through the film 83.
• The 2021 Bollywood film 83, in which Ranveer Singh portrayed Kapil Dev, triggered a massive wave of digital interest in his life and career, introducing him to an entirely new generation of social media users.
• His cardiac arrest in 2020 generated enormous social media conversation, with recovery-related hashtags trending across Indian Twitter for several days — a reflection of his deep emotional hold on the nation.
• Brands continue to actively seek him out for digital endorsement campaigns, recognizing that his social media presence carries exceptional authenticity and trust with Indian audiences that money simply cannot replicate.

Social Media Profiles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is the wife of Kapil Dev? 

Kapil Dev’s wife is Romi Bhatia, whom he married in 1980. The couple has shared over 44 years of stable, devoted married life and is widely regarded as one of the most admired couples in Indian sports history.

How old is Romi Bhatia in 2025? 

Romi Bhatia was born in approximately 1956, making her around 68–69 years old in 2025. She has maintained a largely private life despite being married to one of India’s most celebrated public figures.

Is Kapil Dev still married to Romi Bhatia? 

Yes, Kapil Dev is very much still married to Romi Bhatia. Their marriage, which began in 1980, has lasted over four decades and remains one of the strongest and most stable unions in Indian celebrity culture.

What is Kapil Dev’s net worth in 2025? 

Kapil Dev’s estimated net worth in 2025 is between $30–40 million USD, built through cricket legacy income, brand endorsements, commentary, golf course businesses, hospitality ventures, and real estate investments.

Did Kapil Dev really almost marry Sarika? 

According to entertainment media reports, Kapil Dev briefly dated actress Sarika before his marriage to Romi Bhatia. He reportedly even took her to meet his parents in Punjab. However, when Romi came back into his life, Kapil chose to reconcile with her and the two married in 1980.

Did Kapil Dev have a heart attack? 

Yes, in September 2020, Kapil Dev suffered a cardiac arrest and underwent emergency angioplasty in New Delhi. He made a full and speedy recovery, which he attributed to his general fitness and strong family support — particularly from his wife Romi.

What is Kapil Dev’s greatest achievement in cricket? 

His greatest achievement is captaining India to victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup at Lord’s, defeating the West Indies in a result that transformed cricket’s status in India forever. His unbeaten 175 against Zimbabwe during that tournament remains one of the greatest World Cup innings ever played.

Conclusion

Kapil Dev’s life is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and partnership — both on the cricket field and in the home he has built alongside Romi Bhatia. From a young boy in Chandigarh with a dream to the captain who lifted the World Cup at Lord’s, and from a devoted husband who navigated life’s challenges with his wife by his side to a successful entrepreneur and beloved national icon, Kapil Dev has lived one of the most complete and inspiring lives in the history of Indian sport. His legacy — sporting and personal — will endure for generations to come, and the love story he shares with Romi Bhatia remains one of its most quietly beautiful chapters.

Den Mark

Den Mark is a passionate writer specializing in celebrity news, biographies, and net worth insights. With a keen eye for detail, he brings readers the latest updates and intriguing stories from the world of fame.