Once-in-a-century player, Kapil Dev should not be compared with Hardik Pandya : Sunil Gavaskar
Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has called Kapil Dev as a once-in-a-century player and asserted that he should not be compared with the 24-year-old Hardik Pandya. He has rubbished such a comparison stating that Dev is in the league of greats comprising Sir Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar.
Gavaskar was not at all amused when asked about the tendency among some experts to compare the two. He felt that the comparisons were rubbish as the legendary all-rounder had won India its first World Cup in 1983, while Pandya, who made his debut in 2016, is yet to cement his place in the team.
Speaking of the comparison, the 69-year-old stated that Kapil Dev is not a once-in-a-generation player but a once-in-a-century player like Sir Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar. As a result, he felt that the comparison was rubbish.
“Kapil Dev should not be compared with anyone. He is a once-in-a-century player like Sir Donald Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar, not a once-in-a-generation player,” Gavaskar told ‘Aaj Tak’.
The former batsman was also not happy with Shikhar Dhawan’s form as he felt that the opening batsman was not changing his mindset and was fetching balls that were unnecessary. According to Gavaskar, the Indian opener was struggling because of his negligence towards red-ball cricket.
“Shikhar simply does not want to change his mind. He is playing in the same manner which has brought him success till now. Playing those shots in red-ball cricket will definitely bring the slip cordon into play. Unless and until he does not change his mind, he won’t succeed in the longest format,” he added.
Speaking about the current situation of the Indian team in the ongoing Test series against England, Gavaskar said that the visitors needed an extra batsman in the form of Cheteshwar Pujara. He stated that if Lord’s does not offer a green top (pitch) then Pujara must replace Umesh Yadav in the playing XI.
“I will play an extra batsman in the playing XI in the next Test at Lord’s. Pujara should be a good option considering his technique and patience. If the wicket is not green at Lord’s then India should play Pujara in place of Umesh and retain Pandya,” he said.
Gavaskar further stated that for India to win the 2nd Test, the visitors should elect to bat first if they win the toss as most of the teams are struggling to chase a total anywhere near 200.
“ For India to win the Lord’s Test, they need to bat first. Chasing is very difficult in such situations and if you notice, most of the teams are struggling to chase a total anywhere near 200. I think if England were to chase in Edgbaston, they would have lost,” Gavaskar concluded.
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