Kapil Dev: In recent months, former Indian captain Kapil Dev has made several controversial statements. Dev captained India’s cricket team to their first-ever World Cup victory in 1983. The veteran has maintained his position despite receiving criticism from fans for it about the mental strain on athletes.
Another contentious statement he made was that the word “pressure” is “American,” and he advised cricket players to give up the sport completely if they experience pressure while competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) or while representing the Indian cricket team.
Players need to change their mindset: Kapil Dev
The former India all-rounder, who was speaking at an event in Kolkata, advised players to adjust their mindset, telling them to enjoy the game and retire from cricket if they couldn’t handle the pressure. A player should have pride rather than pressure while they are serving their country, he further stated.
In a lengthy statement, Kapil Dev made a fairly controversial statement, advising players who can’t handle the pressure to “start a banana stall, or sell eggs.”
“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,” he stated.
What more did Kapil Dev say?
The 1983 world cup winning captain added, “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.”
Continuing further, he said “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.”
In recent years, several cricketers have taken vacations from the sport due to the ongoing demands of the sport. Players like Ben Stokes and Virat Kohli have taken pauses.
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