Cricket

India's iconic World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, has appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to extend financial support to his former teammate, Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling blood cancer. Gaekwad, 71, has been receiving treatment at King's College Hospital in London for the past year.Kapil expressed his anguish over Gaekwad's condition, stating, "It is a sad and very depressing situation. I am in pain because I have played alongside Anshu and can't bear to see him in this state. No one should suffer." He emphasized the need for the BCCI to step in and provide financial assistance to the former India head coach.Kapil revealed that several of his former teammates, including Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri, and Kirti Azad, are actively involved in fundraising efforts for Gaekwad's treatment. He expressed confidence that the BCCI would take cognizance of the matter and extend support.However, Kapil lamented the lack of a structured system to assist former players in such situations. He suggested the formation of a Trust where former players could contribute their pension amounts to support those in need. "We are ready to contribute by donating our pension amount if the family allows us to," he said.Gaekwad's cricketing legacy is significant. He represented India in 40 Tests and 15 ODIs between 1975 and 1987. He later served as India's head coach in two separate stints. His contributions to Indian cricket have been immense, and his current health condition has evoked widespread concern and sympathy.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a substantial prize of Rs 125 crore for the victorious Indian team that clinched the T20 World Cup title. However, this announcement has sparked a debate about the recognition and rewards given to the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, which brought immense pride and glory to the nation.In the 1983 World Cup final, India, under the captaincy of Kapil Dev, achieved a remarkable upset by defeating the formidable West Indies, who were the two-time defending champions, by a margin of 43 runs. The Indian team put up a total of 183 runs in their allotted 60 overs. In response, the Indian bowlers showcased exceptional skill and determination in defending the target. Madan Lal and Mohinder Amarnath were the standout performers, taking three wickets each, as they successfully bowled out the powerful West Indian side for a mere 140 runs.This momentous victory not only crowned India as the champions but also marked their emergence as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket. The triumph served as a turning point, signaling India's arrival on the global cricketing stage and paving the way for future successes.However, a former Indian cricketer, who was a member of the historic 1983 World Cup-winning squad, has urged the BCCI to also recognize and reward the team led by Kapil Dev. He highlighted the contrast between the current Indian team, captained by Rohit Sharma, and the victorious 1983 squad. He revealed that the 1983 champions were not given any financial rewards at the time, as the BCCI claimed they "don't have money." However, he acknowledged that the board is now in a position to announce prize money, given their current financial standing."Rs 125 crore is huge. Happy for Team India. Well, we were not given cash rewards at that time (after 1983 World Cup victory), because board (BCCI) had said 'we don't have money'. Now they can give, what is stopping them? Only a few players (of that team) are getting work, rest are struggling. BCCI should look into it," a member of the 1983 World Cup-winning Indian team told IANS on condition of anonymity.As a reward for their remarkable achievement, the BCCI presented each player with a modest cash prize of Rs 25,000. Upon learning about the relatively low amount given to the players, the renowned singer, the late Lata Mangeshkar, took it upon herself to honor the team's success. She organized a musical concert in Delhi with the purpose of raising funds for the World Cup-winning squad. Through her efforts, she awarded Rs 1 lakh to each player in the team.The BCCI's decision to award a substantial prize to the T20 World Cup-winning team has reignited the debate about the recognition and rewards given to the 1983 World Cup-winning squad. Many believe that the BCCI should also recognize and reward the team that brought immense pride and glory to the nation.

Jasprit Bumrah's Stellar T20 World Cup Performance Earns Praise from Kapil DevIndian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been in scintillating form during the ongoing T20 World Cup, drawing admiration from legendary former India all-rounder Kapil Dev.Bumrah's impressive performance has caught the attention of Dev, who believes the young pacer is far superior to what he was at his prime. "Jasprit Bumrah is a '1000 times better' bowler than what I was at my prime," Dev stated.Throughout the tournament, Bumrah has showcased his prowess, claiming 11 wickets in just 23 overs. His outstanding economy rate of 4.08 demonstrates his ability to maintain control and precision while consistently taking wickets."Bumrah is 1000 times better than me. These young boys are far better than us. We had more experience. They are better," Dev told 'PTI Videos'.Bumrah, widely regarded as the premier fast bowler in international cricket today, has represented India in 26 Test matches, claiming 159 wickets at an impressive economy rate below three runs per over. In the ODI format, he has taken 149 wickets across 89 appearances, while his tally in T20Is stands at 85 wickets from 68 games.Dev, who retired with a then world record of 434 Test wickets, is regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the sport. He also achieved success in the ODI format, securing 253 wickets during his career.The 65-year-old World Cup-winning captain, who led India to their first-ever title in 1983, also expressed admiration for the overall fitness standards maintained by the current Indian team. "They are very good. Outstanding. They are fitter. They are much more hardworking. They are fantastic," he said.Bumrah's exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup has further cemented his status as one of the most formidable bowlers in the world. His ability to swing the ball both ways, generate pace, and maintain accuracy has made him a nightmare for batsmen.As India continues its quest for a second T20 World Cup title, Bumrah's contributions will be crucial. His ability to strike early and restrict the opposition's scoring will be key to India's success.

India's first World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev believes that collective performance, not individual brilliance, will be crucial for Rohit Sharma's team to end their trophy drought at the T20 World Cup in the West Indies.Kapil emphasized that every player has a role to play in winning a tournament, rather than relying solely on star performers like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, or Kuldeep Yadav. He pointed out that in his 1983 World Cup-winning team, he wasn't the only one who performed exceptionally."Roger Binny, Mohinder Amarnath, Kirti Azad, Yashpal Sharma all came out with match-winning performances. If you start depending on one player, it means you are not going to win tournaments more often," Kapil observed.He lauded Bumrah's performance in the tournament so far, but downplayed the role of a captain. "Everybody can do captaincy. Hardik, Virat, Rohit everyone can do captaincy. When you give ball to somebody, the bowler has to do the job. Yes captain is there to help you out but it's not like if you don't win he is not a good captain."Kapil expressed his optimism for India's chances in the semifinal against England and wished them luck. He highlighted the importance of India being perceived as title contenders in every global event."We should be happy that we are able to think that we can win. 20 years back, you weren't thinking. It's important that in every tournament India is going as a favourite. That's a big thing. We never thought about that. That's enough encouragement for a youngster to take up the sport. I am very happy to see where Indian cricket has reached wonderfully well," he emphasized.

India's legendary cricketer Kapil Dev has ignited a fresh debate between current skipper Rohit Sharma and former captain Virat Kohli. Dev praised Sharma's leadership style, highlighting his ability to recognize his limitations and maintain team harmony.Ahead of India's crucial T20 World Cup semi-final against England, Dev drew comparisons between the two players. He noted that Sharma, unlike Kohli, remains composed and focused on his strengths. "He knows his limitations, but within those limitations, he performs the best," Dev said.Dev also commended Sharma's ability to foster a positive team environment. "A big tick in favor of Rohit Sharma is that he keeps the entire team happy," he said. "There are many great players who play for themselves, take the captaincy for themselves, but not him."Dev's comments sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some fans expressed concern that the "Virat vs Rohit" debate could hinder India's progress in the tournament. Others defended Dev's assessment, arguing that Sharma's leadership style is more conducive to team success.Sharma enters the semi-final against England in impressive form, having scored a blistering 92 off 41 balls against Australia in the Super 8 stage. Kohli, on the other hand, has struggled for runs, scoring only 66 in six innings.India will face England in the semi-final on June 27, hoping to avenge their 10-wicket defeat in the 2022 T20 World Cup final. The match will be played at Guyana's Providence Stadium.

India's legendary fast bowler Kapil Dev has raised concerns over the Indian team management's decision to not open the bowling with their spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah. This criticism follows similar sentiments expressed by former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar.In both of India's matches in the ongoing T20I series against Ireland and Pakistan, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj have been entrusted with the new ball. However, it is Bumrah who has emerged as the Player of the Match in both games, showcasing his exceptional wicket-taking abilities.Kapil Dev, speaking to ABP News, emphasized the importance of Bumrah bowling the first over. "He needs to bowl the first over, he is a wicket-taking bowler," said Kapil. "If you make him bowl the fifth or sixth bowler, the game can slip out of your hands."The criticism stems from the fact that India was defending a modest total of 119 against Pakistan. Not opening with Bumrah, arguably their most potent pacer, could have put the team in a vulnerable position.Bumrah's heroics against Pakistan turned the game in India's favor. He claimed three crucial wickets, including those of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Iftikhar Ahmed, finishing with figures of 3/14."This is not a Test match. This is T20. The quicker you take wickets, the more pressure it puts on the opposition," said Kapil, who is India's leading fast-bowling wicket-taker in Tests.Kapil believes that a positive mindset is crucial. "If Bumrah opens the bowling and picks up a couple of wickets, life becomes easier for the other bowlers as well," he said.Kapil also praised Bumrah for exceeding expectations and establishing himself as the world's best bowler. "We didn't think he'd be able to play so much cricket, because his action and the way he runs puts pressure on his body and shoulders. But he has proved all of us wrong," said Kapil.India will face hosts USA on Tuesday, June 12, with the winner securing a place in the Super 8.