Kapil Dev, captain of the World Cup-winning Indian team in 1983, took umbrage at opinions expressed by a few players that the Indian team should win the World Cup for Sachin Tendulkar.
Responding to a question at Idea Cellular's ‘Keep Cricket Clean' campaign here on Wednesday, Kapil said, “See, Sachin is not playing for himself. He's playing for the country.
“The World Cup should be as important to the Indian team as it is for Sachin. If you keep one player in front, then you are insulting the other players in the team. As much as it's important for him (Sachin), it's important for every cricketer in the team and important for you and for me. He is the greatest ambassador of the sport and he's served the country for a long period of time.”
Kapil Dev was one of the six World Cup-winning captains who shared their thoughts on the 2011 World Cup to be played in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from February 19 to April 2. Present at the function were Clive Lloyd, Allan Border, Imran Khan, Arjuna Ranatunga and Steve Waugh.
“I feel happy to be with them. We talked about the old days and we have enjoyed our time so far. I don't think there was any change in our lives after we won the cup in 1983, but after 20 years we realise it was big. Today, we receive respect, love, awards and rewards.”
The former India captain also hoped that a country hosting the World Cup would also win it. “There's always a chance to break the jinx.”
He also felt Yusuf Pathan would be the most important player in the Indian team. “He can win a match from a losing situation. The opposition will not have it easy as long as he is on the field or in the dressing room, padded up.”
Excerpts from the media session:
Clive Lloyd (1975 and 1979): Most of us were professional cricketers playing county cricket in England. In today's team some are very talented. There are two or three very good players, hopefully we can win a few games and spring a surprise or two.
Allan Border (1987): I was very fortunate to play with Steve (Waugh). In 1987, he was a crucial member of the team; the focus and drive he brought into the team got better and better.
We were ranked outsiders, but we had a great group of younger players. We came out of three-four years of not so good cricket and things started turning around. All the sides think they can win (2011 WC) because they have the support staff. Australia will rely on pace bowling; it doesn't have spin talent as in the past. The team needs runs from the top four, as simple as that.
One man who can win the World Cup for a team: Chris Gayle. He is dangerous and can win a match and the tournament off his own bat. I saw him smash Queensland for 92 off 40 balls with seven fours and eight sixes in the Twenty20.
Imran Khan (1992): Pakistan is now at a disadvantage of not knowing who will be captain. It takes time to know a team. You need to be in a pressure situation to be able to cope with similar situations in the World Cup. They have had five captains in the last one year; it is unsettling. But in such situations players rise above their capabilities.
One of the most painful World Cup losses for me was the semifinal against Australia at Lahore in 1987. Australia were not the favourites to win. They gelled together. Sometimes crisis in a big tournament brings the team together. In 1983, the Indian team combined so well; it became a unit. It's like a David and Goliath situation with India facing the West Indies.
This will be one of the more even World Cups. There are six teams that can create upsets. The format is such that the top teams will not be knocked out early.
India is a favourite followed by Sri Lanka for their form and home conditions. You need only two batsmen to take you to the winning situation.
Pakistan's likely impact player is Shahid Afridi, but there is a big ‘If' with him. Umar Akmal is the dark horse. If he gets into form, he can win for Pakistan. He has not lived up to his potential. Pakistan has lost the edge with Muhammad Asif and Muhammed Amir being suspended.
Arjuna Ranatunga (1996): We created new things in 1996 with (Romesh) Kaluwitharana and Sanath (Jayasuriya) opening; the idea was to score 120-150 in the first 20 overs. We had a very tough tour prior to the World Cup in Australia. I was captain of the U-12 side when Clive won the 1975 World Cup.
Imran and Kapil inspired me. I felt that if India and Pakistan could win, why not Sri Lanka? The best thing to have happened to the team was Sri Lanka winning the World Cup.
It's an all-round side (Sri Lankan WC team). We have a better bowling side than in 1996. My concern is the middle order.
Steve Waugh (1999): This edition will be tough. There are seven sides capable of winning. Momentum going into the quarterfinal is important. India has a slight edge because it knows the conditions well and the team will receive fanatical support.
Sri Lanka has a very good chance. Australia has match-winners; they are a bit hot and cold now. They have an outside chance. I don't think this Australian side is weak; it's just that they are different. Australia is still ranked No. 1 in ODIs. In Tait, Johnson and Lee, they have potential match-winners.
