Bengaluru: Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev expressed his views on India’s chances of winning the ICC World Cup on home soil and emphasised the importance of managing expectations. As a two-time champion, India is eager to add another title to their cabinet after a gap of 12 years during the upcoming tournament scheduled from October 5 to November 19.
Speaking at the launch of the Golf Fitting Centre at the Karnataka Golf Association, Kapil Dev acknowledged that India has consistently entered tournaments as favourites due to their strong performances over the years. However, he emphasised the need for the team to cope with the mounting expectations from all sides. He expressed confidence in the abilities of the Indian team, whoever gets selected, and believes they can bring the prestigious trophy back to the country. Kapil Dev also encouraged the players to be fully prepared and take on the challenge of the World Cup.
Addressing the issue of injury management in modern-day cricket, Kapil Dev acknowledged that players in his era did not have to deal with the volume of cricket that today’s cricketers do. He stressed the importance of workload management and individual fitness plans to prevent injuries in the current era, where players are involved in cricket for about 10 months a year. He emphasised the significance of preserving fitness and avoiding injuries, considering the intense schedules that players face.
Reflecting on the decline of West Indies cricket, a team that was once a powerhouse in the 80s and 90s, Kapil Dev expressed his sorrow at seeing them miss out on the World Cup for the first time in their storied history. He lauded the legacy of great players produced by the West Indies team and hoped for their resurgence in international cricket. He remains optimistic that the Windies will soon regain their former glory and make a strong comeback on the cricket stage.
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