“World Cup win under Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s captaincy in 2011 is much bigger than the WC win of 1983,” says the captain of that team, Kapil Dev. Best all-rounder of India till date is quite happy with the progress that has been shown by the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Shikhar Dhawan, especially when the likes of Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh are not in the team. He praised them for their recent win in the Champions Trophy and tri-nation series.
He was quoted by Times of India saying, "Obviously this win is bigger because life is becoming tougher with each passing day. When next generation comes, it will be even harder for them." The Haryana Hurricane is happy with the way these youngsters have bonded well in the alien conditions.
"I was at the Champions Trophy and saw the young guys perform in the absence of experienced players like Sachin, Yuvraj, Gambhir and Sehwag. Despite these big players not being there, we didn't miss them. The next generation has arrived, they have played so well," he added.
He praised MS Dhoni and his leadership skills and said we should not doubt about his being India's most successful skipper anymore. He praised him for showing faith in Jadeja and Dhawan who were the real architects of India’s win in Champions Trophy.
"I don't have to say that he is the best, everybody knows that. He has done a wonderful job. He is one of the best captains and we have to respect that. If you are asking me a question, you have a doubt, but I don't."
Meanwhile the The Hindu quoted Kapil saying, "Jadeja is the most valued cricketer, and difference that he has made after coming into the squad is quite clear. He is a great fielder. He has raised the standards where fielding is concerned. Hats off to him, great to have someone like him."
Meanwhile he took a neutral stand when it came to Duncan Fletcher and was quoted saying, "When India didn't do well, I was not harsh nor do I want to praise him. I didn't say he did a horrible job when we lost to England and Australia. Now also I won't say he has done extremely well."
Though he was quite honest on whether the likes of Gautam Gambhir and Viender Sehwag will be able to get back into the squad or not. He made it quite clear that not just they need to get their batting right but also the fielding which is the x-factor of this young Indian team.
"If they don't make a come-back, then they should sit at home. Every cricketer should feel they can make a comeback. If not, then they are not a fighter, they should take up the challenge," he concluded.
