Kapil takes Shastri’s side in pitch controversy

JAIPUR: Supporting Ravi Shastri in the pitch controversy involving him and Wankhede stadium’s curator Sudhir Naik, former captain Kapil Dev said the Indian cricket team’s director was right in demanding a pitch that suited the home side.

Controversy erupted as India suffered a heavy loss against South Africa in the fifth and deciding ODI. Following the match, Shastri allegedly abused Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) curator and his former teammate Naik for preparing a flat wicket, further fuelling debates on whether the hosts should prepare pitches that suit them, not the tourists.

“I completely support Shastri. The home team should always play to their comfort and that suit them, not the opponents. When you go to South Africa or anywhere, you get to play on the pitches that are against you,” Kapil said during the launch of a tournament in Rajasthan, ‘Saath: 7, Cricket Mahotsav’ here.

“Cricket is not played to please your guests. We have every reason and right to have home advantage that comes from the pitch,” the 1983 World Cup-winning captain reiterated.

Even though India lost the Twenty20 and ODI series against the Proteas, the former star all-rounder has confidence in captain Virat Kohli, who will lead the hosts in the four-match Test series starting in three days time in Mohali.

“Sometimes you lose and sometimes you win but you must be competitive and I am hoping the same from the Test team. Hopefully, Kohli will do well as a captain and so does the team.

Kapil, however, refused to draw captaincy comparison between Dhoni and Kohli, saying the latter has miles to go.

He referred to current limited overs captain Dhoni as “baap (father figure)” who has been the leader since 2008, while Kohli started his term in one of the most high pressure jobs in world cricket this year only.

“Baap baap hota hai, beta beta hota hai…,” Kapil said referring to Dhoni’s long span at the helm of the Indian team.