Kapil Dev : Harmanpreet Kaur's innings is unique and it is unfair to compare with mine

Harmanpreet Kaur's sensational unbeaten 171 in the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup has been applauded by one and all in the cricketing world. The 28-year old's blazing knock helped India post a monstrous score of 281 at the end of 42 overs against Australia eventually paving way for India's 36-run win over the defending champions and their entry into the finals of the tournament after a span of 12 years.

The Punjab player's exceptional innings have drawn comparisons with former Indian World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev's knock of 175 against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup with Ravi Shastri posting a picture of the two players and captioned Deja Vu. Harsha Bhogle and Alan Wilkins also made the same comparison.

However, Kapil Dev termed the 28-year old's innings unique and suggested that it should be celebrated.

“It’s an unfair comparison. You can’t compare those two knocks. Right now, you shouldn’t bring what happened in the past. Right now, we should celebrate Harman’s innings,” Kapil told The Times of India.

“The feeling is as if India has already won the World Cup. The final match is yet to be played against England on Sunday and I wish them all the luck,” he added.

The 58-year missed out on the opportunity of witnessing Kaur's explosive innings that comprised 20 fours and 7 monstrous sixes. The 28-year old showed exceptional maturity at the start of her innings and then went on to launch an all-out assault on the Australian bowlers. Dev termed the feat to be a special day for Indian cricket.

“I couldn’t see Harman’s knock live, but I am certainly going to catch up with the recorded version of it. It’s a great honour for our country to see such a knock happening from Harman. Her knock is special because women’s cricket doesn’t get that kind of encouragement and when you see such a brilliant innings, it is a special day for Indian cricket,” he concluded.