HTLS 2020: Don’t just think about T20 or IPL, look at Tests and ODIs too, says Kapil Dev
“Don’t just think about T20 or IPL, look at the bigger picture. You have to look after your first-class cricket, the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy. You also have to look after Tests and ODIs. Yes, money making factor is there and I wish good luck to the board and the players but as a cricketer I would like to see that we don’t let go of our tradition.” Kapil Dev said.
Legendary Indian cricketer and former captain Kapil Dev on Friday said the Indian Premier League (IPL) has strengthened Indian cricket but the board should also focus on traditional formats - Tests and ODIs - instead of only concentrating on the developement of T20 cricket, while in conversation with senior sports writer and journalist Ayaz Memon on day 2 of the 18th edition of Hindustan Times Leadership Summit.
“Yes, cricket has changed. People around the world only want to play IPL, BBL and tournaments like that. I’m a positive person. I would say IPL has given us strength. What used to be county cricket, every top player used to play there and England would benefit from it, but today IPL is giving the same benefit to us as the top players are coming and playing with our youngsters. Our next generation is ready and that’s the good part,” Kapil Dev said while speaking via video conference at HTLS 2020.
Talking about a few negatives the franchise T20 leagues have brought in as a by-product, Kapil said T20 cricket is enjoyable and has its own charm but it should not bring down the value of traditional cricket, which revolves around Test cricket.
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“Don’t just think about T20 or IPL, look at the bigger picture. You have to look after your first-class cricket, the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy. You also have to look after Tests and ODIs. Yes, money making factor is there and I wish good luck to the board and the players but as a cricketer I would like to see that we don’t let go of our tradition.
“To site the example of tennis, it is played on clay, on synthetic turfs but we still have Wimbledon on grass courts to keep the tradition alive. We let our traditions go in hockey. All over the world it is now played only on astroturf, it is not very good. We were best in dribbling (on grass fields) and same is with cricket, the art of playing Test cricket is different. Keep up the tempo in Test cricket. Focus on the art. Look at how a Dravid or Gavaskar used to build their innings. I love watching sixes, I would have never imagined the kind of catches that are being taken today but focus should also be there on Tests,” Kapil said.
India’s first World Cup-winning captain expressed delight as cricket returned after a long gap because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“There is no thrill without crowd. I don’t think a theatre artiste can perform when no one is clapping or cheering. Yes, they will get used to it but this was the first tournament (after the long gap) so I must compliment all the players. They looked so passionate maybe because they didn’t play cricket for six months. Crowd or no crowd, they looked passionate and that was the good part. Yes, some looked out of shape but that’s fine.
“It is very tough for a cricketer because sport is for the audience, you want to enjoy that atmosphere. It doesn’t matter how much music you put or how many paper placards you put (in the stands) but it’s not fun without people whistling and cheering,” he added.
Kapil Dev was India’s first genuine fast bowler and all-rounder, who made a name for himself with his swing bowling and fearless batting down the order. He led the team from the front in the 1983 World Cup as India shocked favourites West Indies to become world champions.
Kapil Dev’s marvellous catch to dismiss Vivian Richards in the final put India on the road to a momentous victory against Clive Lloyd’s all-conquering team from the Caribbean. The 1983 World Cup win revolutionised cricket in the country as millions of youngsters took to the sport, which eventually led to India’s rise as one of the global powerhouses of the game.
Kapil ended his career as the (then) highest wicket-taker in Test cricket as he broke Richard Hadlee’s record in the twilight of his career. Post his retirement he had a brief stint as the coach of the Indian team, before becoming one of the leading voices in cricket commentary.
