Former World Cup-winning Indian skipper Kapil Dev has spoken up about the lack of a fit bowling all-rounder for India. Kapil felt the ones who are part of the squad right now tend to tire out while bowling just a few overs.
The Indian team recently lost to New Zealand in the WTC Final at Southampton. In the final, India had two all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. However, in the swinging conditions of England, the Men in Blue came up a bit short in regards to a quick bowling all-rounder.
Kapil Dev was one of the greatest cricketers of his era. Comparing to his times, he felt strange about the fitness levels in Indian all-rounders. He was disappointed that they weren’t capable of bowling more than four overs without breaking a sweat.
“The number of injuries increases when you play cricket for ten months a year. And today’s cricket is very basic – you either bat or bowl. In our time, we had to do everything. Today’s cricket has changed a bit. Sometimes it hurts as well that a player gets tired after bowling four overs. And some say that they are not allowed to bowl 3-4 overs in the nets,” he said.
Today’s bowlers are happy bowling four overs: Kapil Dev
Kapil Dev compared the level of cricket played now to his golden days, stating the mental aspect required to thrive in the game is missing.
On June 25, 1983, India played #WorldCup final. And Kapil Dev and team created history by defeating two-time defending champions West Indies to lay their hands on the coveted trophy at the Lord’s. pic.twitter.com/N8NilEIknu
— Achyuta Samanta (@achyuta_samanta) June 25, 2021
“I remember, in my time, I wouldn’t say it was wrong or right. But we used to bowl ten overs even to the last few batsmen. One should have that mindset, and it develops the muscles. Today, perhaps four overs is enough for them, which feels a bit strange to the players of my generation,” said Kapil Dev.
Hardik Pandya is currently part of the Indian squad for the Lankan tour. He was touted to be India’s next Kapil Dev. However, a recurring back injury has not allowed him to fulfill his potential yet.
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