Kapil Dev, who recently resigned as head of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), expressed delight at the emergence of a fast bowling unit and their increased presence in Team India performances. “It is important to give youngsters opportunity to show their talent,” said the India all-rounder, whose prowess as a pace bowler startled batsmen of his generation.
He pointed out that a pace attack develops over time. “It takes time (to build a group of bowlers who can bowl fast). It feels good seeing the (amount of) cricket being played nowadays. Many fast bowlers have got an opportunity due to the IPL. When you play more, more players will emerge,” Kapil said.
Mohammed Shami struck telling blows, using pace and reverse swing, to seal India’s Test win against South Africa in Vishakapatnam. Jasprit Bumrah was lethal in the ICC World Cup with his swinging yorkers at top pace, alongside an accurate Mohammad Shami; Hardik Pandya got breakthroughs with bounce and Ishant Sharma delivered in away matches as India tasted success overseas.
To a query about rotating bowlers to avoid injuries due to the workload, the former captain said: “I think we (past cricketers) should not say anything about it. They (bowlers) themselves know and selectors should know what is the best for the team.” Bumrah and Pandya are being treated for back injuries.” Everybody needs to look after themselves , I think if they (bowlers) can do that, they will look after the country also. Getting injured is does not help the team, the combination gets disturbed.”
Kapil, speaking on the sidelines of a launch function for cab start-up VAOO in Mumbai, pointed out that Indian cricket has the depth to field two sides. “Your main players are not playing (Bumrah, Hardik, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzuvendra Chahal are not playing (against SA), and you still you have enough bench strength. I feel India can have two sets of playing XI against any touring team and that is important. I can say without any doubt that (in the) last four-five years, fast bowlers have changed the face of Indian cricket.”
Conflict of interest thoughts
India’s first World Cup winning captain recently resigned as the head of Cricket Advisory Committee after a notice from BCCI Ethics Officer, D K Jain, sought his clarifications on the allegations on conflict of interest. “ Conflict of Interest kya hai? Theek hai jo law chal raha hai (What is by conflict of interest?...It is fine whatever is happening by law).”
“One should do what is best for cricket...There is no conflict when one is called for one meeting. When you are on payroll, the issue of conflicting interest is applicable, not to those doing a honorary role (in Indian cricket).”
After retirement, he ventured into many businesses, the latest being VAOO where he is named as one of the investors. The Mumbai-based application, launched by Abhineet Pathak, CEO, links private car drivers, customers and advertisers and will be launched on October 11 in Mumbai.
Comments
SHARE