Kapil Dev, the former captain, and all-rounder of the Indian cricket team, has offered his insights regarding the current generation of Indian players.
According to Kapil Dev, there appears to be a tendency among these players to believe that they possess comprehensive knowledge about the game. This mirrors Sunil Gavaskar’s previous statement, made a month ago, where he mentioned that certain Indian players’ egos prevent them from seeking advice and suggestions from retired players.
As the leader who guided India to victory in the 1983 World Cup, Kapil Dev strongly emphasized that today’s players are often exposed to substantial wealth and fame. He pointed out that this exposure could potentially influence their attitudes and approaches to the game. He highlighted that the allure of wealth and fame might, at times, have an impact on their mindset.
This topic gained prominence following India’s loss to Australia in the WTC Final 2023 at The Oval. Sunil Gavaskar, actively involved in commentary duties and regularly seen with the team, had criticized the Indian players for not seeking his help and advice during that crucial match.
Kapil Dev’s remarks and Sunil Gavaskar’s criticism underscore the significance of humility and the openness to learn from experienced players, even when achieving success and recognition. The act of seeking guidance from seasoned veterans can be immensely advantageous to young players and contribute significantly to their overall growth and development as cricketers.
Gavaskar had told Indian Express: “No, no one has come. Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and VVS Laxman regularly came to me. And they would approach me with a specific problem and you could tell them something which you had observed. I don’t have an ego about this, I could go and talk to them but since there are two coaches — Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathore – so sometimes you hold back since you don’t want to confuse them with too much information.”
Kapil Dev Says: Indian Players Believe “We Are Good Enough”
In a recent interview with The Week, Kapil Dev shared similar sentiments as expressed by Sunil Gavaskar. He pointed out that although the Indian players may exude confidence, they tend to carry a sense of having complete knowledge about their game. Kapil suggested the Indian players set aside their egos and be open to seeking advice from ex-cricketers. By doing so, Indian players can further enhance their skills and understanding of the game.
“Differences come out, the good (thing) about these players…is that they are very confident. Negative point is they think they know everything. I don’t know how to put it better than that. But they are confident, but they think ‘you don’t have to ask anybody’. What we believe is an experienced person can help you,” Kapil Dev said.
“Sometimes when there is too much money, arrogance comes. These cricketers think they know everything. That’s the difference. I would say there are so many cricketers who need help. When Sunil Gavaskar is there, why can’t you talk? Where is the ego? There is no ego as such. They feel ‘we are good enough’. Maybe they are good enough, but extra help from somebody who has seen 50 seasons of cricket, he knows things. Listening sometimes can change your thought.” Kapil concluded.
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