“I never wanted to take autographs, always wanted to give them. To do this, you have to achieve something. And for this, you need focus, determination and fitness,” said Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev to young cricketers after inaugurating a new cricket facility at the SSN College of Engineering on Friday.
Kapil added, “If I can play for India, so can you. You must follow your dreams.”
The former India captain was the cynosure.
He bowled the first delivery on the ground to TNCA vice-president Kalpathi S. Aghoram, the other guest of honour.
The pitches have been prepared under the supervision of TNCA chief curator K. Parthasarathy.
In his welcome address, Shiv Nadar, founder SSN Institutions, said, “Kapil is not just an inspiring cricketer, he is also an inspiring person to talk to and learn from.”
Kapil said, “Good sports facilities are a blessing. Apart from education, you need good health and for that you need to play sports.”
The ground has a lush green outfield and an air-conditioned pavilion.