Kapil Dev, the former Indian captain, criticised the Indian pacer for getting injured, especially in the World Cup year.
Kapil Dev, widely regarded as the greatest Indian all-rounder in World cricket history, had contributed significantly both as a player and as a leader. Leading the Indian team during the 1983 World Cup, he played a pivotal role in securing their first-ever title by defeating the formidable West Indies in the final at Lord’s.
However, in the present time, concerns have arisen among fans as some key Indian players are currently dealing with injuries or are in the process of rehabilitation. With the ODI World Cup less than three months away, there is anxiety about their availability for this mega event, which will be hosted exclusively in India for the first time. Among the players facing these challenges are Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant.
Kapil Dev has always been known for his candid and straightforward words, never shying away from speaking about cricket matters especially when it comes to Indian Cricket. He recently shared his thoughts on the multitude of injuries that have surfaced in Indian cricket in recent times, and he also addressed certain negative aspects of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 64-year-old legend highlighted how some players tend to push through minor injuries during crucial IPL matches but refrain from playing for the Indian team when dealing with a similar injury.
Kapil Dev’s observations serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between players’ commitments to franchise cricket and representing their country. His views shed light on the importance of player well-being and the need to prioritize national duties in the lead-up to major cricketing events like the ODI World Cup.
“What happened to Bumrah? He started working with so much belief, but if he’s not there (in the World Cup semi-final/final)… we wasted time on him. Rishabh Pant… such a great cricketer. Had he been there, our Test cricket would’ve been better,” Kapil said during an interview with The Week magazine.
“God is kind, it’s not as if I never got injured. But today, they are playing 10 months in a year. Give a benefit of doubt to that, but everybody has to look after themselves. IPL is a great thing but IPL can spoil you also. Because a little bit of injuries and you will play in IPL. A little bit of injuries, you won’t play for India. You would take a break. I’m being very open about it,” Kapil Dev further continued.
Kapil Dev Urges BCCI to Monitor Players’ Cricket Load:
Kapil Dev has expressed his belief that the Indian cricket board (BCCI) needs to take on greater responsibility in evaluating the workload of India’s players. He emphasized the importance of having three or five-year calendars in place to plan and manage the schedule effectively.
According to him, such calendars would provide a structured framework for players, allowing them to balance their commitments and avoid excessive strain. The legendary cricketer didn’t hold back in expressing his concerns regarding certain players participating in IPL matches despite having minor injuries, whereas they prefer to sit out when it comes to playing for the national team.
This observation highlights the need for players to prioritize their responsibilities toward representing the country, and Kapil Dev’s frank assessment emphasizes the significance of player integrity and dedication to national duty.
“If you have a small injury, you would play in IPL if it’s an important game. At this stage, cricket board has to understand how much cricket they should play. That is the bottomline. If today, you have resources, money, but you don’t have three or five-year calendars. There’s something wrong with cricket board there,” the former Indian Captain concluded.
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