Getting dropped a wake-up call for Amir, Kapil Dev says
LEGEND PLEASED TO SEE HEALTHY COMPETITION AMONG INDIAN PACERS
Kapil Dev, former India captain and legendary all-rounder, feels being dropped for the Test series against Australia may do a world of good for Pakistan speedster Mohammad Amir.
Speaking to Gulf News on the sidelines of Asia Cup final, Kapil, who inspired a generation of fast bowlers in India, said: “Sometimes, fast bowlers go into the comfort zone. Perhaps dropping him can do a world of good to Amir. I personally feel he is a very good bowler but sometime fast bowlers get into a comfort zone and stop performing. This is what has happened to Amir.
“He has the ability and talent, moreover, he is a left-arm pacer. When Wasim Akram thinks he is very good, I have to take his word. If he feels Amir is good, he must be very good but however good you are, one has to work hard. I feel it is just a matter of time before he regains his form.”
Asked about India’s bowling combination of Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kapil said: “The best thing that has happened to the Indian team is that they have a competition among themselves. These are two bowlers who can strike at any batsmen. This kind of a situation is very good to have and is good for the team. In the past, there was competition in the Indian team only among batsmen but today, there are about 10-12 fast bowlers who are vying for a place in the team.
How was Rohit Sharma’s performance as a captain? “He has been captaining for the last six years in the Indian Premier League and so he knows what to do and what not to do. Captaincy is not new to him. Today, the unit is so good that there isn’t much pressure on the captain. Moreover, he has (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni behind him. It is so much of an advantage for Rohit. Dhoni can always help him out.”
Special bowler
Kapil regarded Kedar Jadhav as a ‘special kind of bowler’ which batsmen have to be careful while playing him. “Batsmen should think well on how to play him. It is always better to play him for singles. One should not play big shots to him. He is a bowler against whom you can take a singles off every ball by trying and placing him especially when you have four fielders up there. If he gives you a lose delivery don’t try to lift him, but hit him along the ground.”
Kapil felt India’s upcoming series against the West Indies will be an easy one for India. “The present West Indies team is not as good as they were in the past. Our team is far better and that too on Indian conditions. I don’t see much of a competition between the two teams.”