Kapil Dev — Always on a right track!

Kapil Dev

Very rarely will you find any sports related news dominating headlines on the front page. Two of the most popular newspapers – Hindustan and Dainik Jagran – have been running a story on Kapil Dev on their front pages.

Hindustan, quoting Dilip Vengsarkar, has claimed that Kapil Dev made Dawood Ibrahim run away from the dressing room of team India at Sharjah in 1986 before the final of the Australasia Cup. Dilip Vengsarkar had said on Monday that Kapil Dev did not recognize Dawood and asked him to leave.

This is what we expect from the legend Kapil Dev. For many of the supporters of the game, the timing and need of this statement by Vengsarkar is really not understood. But we do endorse every decision of the great Kapil Dev.

Also, it is a sheer coincidence that three years ago on this day, 29^th October, Kapil Dev had the honour to participate in a ceremony related to the relay of Queen’s Baton for Commonwealth Games.

This simply prompted me to elaborate on the characteristics of stalwart Kapil Dev, who has made a tremendous contribution in glorifying the journey of Indian cricket, be it through splashing batting against Zimbabwe resulting in World Cup win in 1983, or his sensational record as the first true fast bowler and captain of Team India.

Without digging deep into the tons of records held by Kapil as a player, a captain, and a coach, we should understand his multiple abilities. He is a businessman, a role model, runs a charity, joined Territorial Army, and has now become a leading expert across the media.

Kapil Dev, by virtue of his simplicity, commitment and sheer honesty, has got a distinct, respectable place in the history of cricket. From the very beginning, he is known for his bold and aggressive style of game play. Also, in personal life, his straight forward attitude has been appreciated by one and all. Be it a matter of selection of a player in team India or any wrong doing by anyone, Kapil paaji has been speaking what is just and valid. He is known to be a sober and humble guy who always speaks inside out – without any fear or favour. He is equally passionate about promoting other sports as well.

He has been very vocal against spot fixing and has always stressed that in this cricket mad country, it is imperative to keep the game of cricket clean and away from any controversy. He has been advocating stern action against anyone found guilty, irrespective of one’s status or position. Also, many of the fans admire another quality of Kapil Dev – once he takes a stand, he holds his position firmly, come what may. I intend to mention the example of ICL. Many believe that the successful IPL is actually a brain child of the idea of ICL – originally supported by Kapil Dev.

True to the image of an honest, sentimental and open hearted person, we saw Kapil Dev’s sentiments recently when he lost his mentor and coach Desh Prem Azad. Kapil Dev, as a tribute, gave the entire credit of his achievements to his coach and appreciated his valuable services and guidance. His bonding with the coach might have inspired many youngsters.

Kapil Dev has been undertaking everything wholeheartedly, be it a venture of an eatery or endorsements. He has got a huge fan following. He gets full attention of the media over whatever he says, whatever he does! Even after his retirement, he has been playing the role of an expert commentator very successfully. In the matches against Australia, Kapil’s commentary has been a virtual classroom for the upcoming batsmen, as to how to deal with tricky deliveries. Also, he has been so humble – especially when Navjot Sidhu commented on his greater achievements, Kapil rather insisted on importance of team work.

He is one of the three greatest legends of Indian cricket along with Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar. Incidentally, apart from being honoured with an Arjuna award, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, Kapil Dev has also got to his credit the Wisden Cricketer of the year 1982, as well as Wisden Indian cricketer of the Century 2002.

Last but not the least, in the year 2010 he got inducted into ICC cricket hall of fame. No wonder he is one of the most regarded cricketers, who has become a role model not only for the pace bowlers but the billions of Indians for whom he is the ultimate gentleman.