Kapil Dev believes the Indian cricket team outshined the 1983 World Cup Champions

India former cricket captain, Kapil Dev, claimed that the squad under the flagship of Mahendra Singh Dhoni is better than his 1983 World Cup winning team.

“We had our good team but these young boys are far better than what we were in our time,” claimed Dev.

Refraining from judging the teams from two different periods, he said the current Indian cricket team comprises of seasoned match winners. Recalling the 1983 win, he said his squad lacked the winning experience. He particularly, highlighted the names of Sachin Tendulkar, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh, terming them as the team’s strength that was unavailable to his men during his time.

 “We did not have the experience of winning and we did not have a player called Sachin Tendulkar or (Mahendra Singh) Dhoni, (Virender) Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh. They have these cricketers who on their own ability can win the tournament,” Dev added.

Hailing the leadership provided by skipper, Dhoni, Dev said his vote would still be with the captain even if the team had been unable to bag the ICC World Cup 2011. He deliberated on how all goodwill falls in the captain’s favour when the team wins but preferences change in case of a loss.

India had convincingly won the World Cup 2011 trophy after defeating Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the final at Mumbai on April 2, 2011.

Acclaiming the Men in Blue, Dev said the team’s potential goes beyond the World Cup victory. The prolific cricketers have more skill and talent to show to the world.  The cricket expert rests full confidence in the hard-hitting abilities of the batting line up.

The 52-year-old cricketing veteran offered honorary words to the World Cup contenders, specifically praising Sri Lanka and Pakistan for their outstanding performances in the mega event. He lauded Pakistan skipper, Shahid Afridi and Sri Lanka captain, Kumar Sangakkara for the unrelenting leadership and control of their respective squads.

“I also love (Kumar) Sangakkara, Afridi. We have to respect the other teams also. The way they played,” Dev maintained.