Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s presence in the India squad as mentor during next month’s T20 World Cup in the UAE should give a fillip to the team, legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev believes.
Kapil, though, feels players should make such comebacks only after a gap of three to four years post retirement.
“It’s very good that someone of his stature is back. But what I have always believed is that a cricketer, once he has retired from international cricket, should return only after a gap of three to four years,” the former India captain and the country’s first World Cup-winning skipper, said on the sidelines of a felicitation programme in the city on Friday.
“Now maybe this is a special case with the (T20) World Cup coming up. (Head coach) Ravi Shastri too is not well and out of the squad due to Covid-19. So this is an important time, and as I said, it (Dhoni’s appointment) could be a special case with the World Cup ahead,” Kapil added.
Kapil is also against unnecessary scrutiny of the India squad that has been finalised for the showpiece event in October-November. “I wouldn’t like to say much about the squad... Makes no sense at this stage.
“If the selectors, captain and the Board have picked a side, why do we need to create confusion now when they will soon be going for the World Cup? Whatever team has been picked, it’s a good one.
“You can talk before finalising the team. But now that the team has already been decided, I think we should not let down our heroes who are going to play.
“If you say, ‘he should’ve been there or he shouldn’t be there’, you’re pulling down some cricketer or the other who’s going to represent the country. So being an Indian, we should all support the team that has been picked.
“I won’t think anything negative. I’m not a negative person. I’m a positive person. So good luck to the players and I hope this team wins,” Kapil emphasised.
Asked about the fifth and final India-England Test at Old Trafford in Manchester being called off due to the scare of Covid-19 in the Indian camp, Kapil refused to comment on the matter.
“I’m not really aware of what exactly has happened and have no clue whatsoever about whether it’s cancelled or postponed. So I’m just not in a position to talk about it,” he said.
He, however, lavished praise on India’s current pace attack that was phenomenal behind India leading 2-1 after four Tests on this England tour. “Feels so good to see our quicks being spoken of so much, especially when all the discussions in the past would be centred on Indian spinners. We should be proud that the world is talking about the Indian fast bowlers,” Kapil said.
