Legendary all-rounder and India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev has continued with his stance on players complaining about being under pressure while playing for the country despite being bashed for his views previously.
Addressing a gathering in Kolkata last Friday, the former cricketer once again touched upon the topic and urged for a change in perspective. He feels the talks should instead focus on pride rather than pressure.
Advising the current set of cricketers to enjoy the sport, Kapil Dev insisted that a player should stop playing if they can't bear the pressure of representing the country. Sharing his thoughts on the same, Kapil wondered how one player is chosen to represent the country from a population of more than 100 crores.
Kapil Dev also made a strong remark against players citing pressure to “open a banana stall, or sell eggs” in a lengthy address which was also shared on social media sites.
He said: "I keep hearing 'We are playing the IPL. There is so much pressure.' This word is so common, right? To them, I say 'Don't play'. Who is asking you to? There is pressure, but if you are playing at that level, you will be admired and abused. If you are afraid of abuses, then don't play. You are representing the country and you have pressure? How is that possible? Out of a country of 100 crore, 20 of you are playing and then you say you have pressure? Instead, say it's a matter of pride. You are getting so much love from people. Learn to take that pride.”
Multiple cricketers in the past and recently took a break from cricket citing pressure and mental health which includes England’s Ben Stokes, who retired from ODIs as well, citing workload.
Pressure is an American word. If you don't want to work, don't. Is anyone forcing you? Jaa ke kele ki shop lagao. Ande becho ja ke. (Open a banana stall, go sell eggs). But when you have gotten an opportunity, why do you take it as pressure. Take it as pleasure and have fun with it. The day you start doing it, the job will appear easy. But if you call the same thing pressure, nothing good can come of it,” Kapil said.
Virat Kohli, who was struggling for form until recent times, too took a break following the England tour and came back with a ton against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup T20 ending his century drought after 3 years, and most recently scored a ton in the second ODI against Bangladesh.
(Hindustan Times inputs)
