Kapil Dev's former coach Desh Prem Azad dies at 75

Desh Prem Azad, a former coach of legendary cricketer Kapil Dev, died after a brief illness at a hospital in nearby Mohali, his family said.

Azad, who remained Kapil's coach in the early 1970's, was 75. He is survived by his widow and two sons.

Desh Prem Azad played a huge role in Kapil's rise. Reuters

He was also bestowed upon the prestigious Dronacharya award, the highest award for a coach, in the past. The other Test cricketers coach by him include Chetan Sharma, Yograj Singh and Ashok Malhotra.

Azad had remained a prominent personality in Chandigarh.

The Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) sources said that he was hospitalised in a private hospital at Mohali for the past 15 days.

Only three days back, he had visited the PCA, they said adding that he breathed his last in a private hospital at Mohali on Friday.

PTI