India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has said that India should opt for different formats of the game in the future. As far as the Indian cricket is concerned, right now, MS Dhoni leads India in the ODI and T20s while Kohli has recently taken over as the captain in Tests.
The 55 year old veteran said, “Every Test player can’t be a good captain in T20. And every T20 captain is definitely not good enough to lead a Test side. It’s very difficult because in Tests you need thinking. I hope my country and the cricket board will have the sense to have two or three different captains. It will help our game.”
He also pointed towards a new avenue and felt that in the future, one could also use a non-playing captain in the game, just like in the case of Tennis. He emphasized, “I think a time will come when you will have a non-playing captain who can assess the game much better. Technology is changing so fast. Man management is required in cricket and coach can be a senior cricketer. Now cricket has changed so much. In cricket, one thing is good, everybody is an expert and I feel that’s why the sport is so popular. Everybody is a selector in our country and gives his opinion.”
Also, while praising one of the statements of former cricketer Chappell regarding importance of quitting the game at an appropriate moment, Kapil said, “He (Chappell) had said one thing which I admire. Any cricketer who plays longer than his time kills the next three generation. It’s a thought I truly admire.”
He further expressed hope that the administrators in India also go by the same principle and don’t remain in office for several decades. “I hope in cricket, the administration people will learn from it and not stick to their chairs for 30 years or lifetime” he added.
Given the fact that the game is played on different modes in all three formats of the game, the vital suggestion given by this former great all-rounder appears to be worth considering. Who knows, the bet may prove fruitful – especially keeping in view the recent poor bowling by team India during away series.