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.

Read More

Pakistan looking to host small ODI series against India in 2011

If there is one thing the Pakistan Cricket fans are looking forward to, it is the reignited series encounter against the Indian Cricket team.
Following an entertaining ICC World Cup 2011 encounter at the semi-final stage, supporters of the sport from the two nations are hoping for another meeting in the coming weeks. This is one of the reasons why Pakistan is keen for a short ODI series, this year.
Talking to the press from Karachi, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Operating Officer, Subhan Ahmed, declared the desire of the country to see the two nations compete again soon.
Eager to kick off bilateral ties in cricket this year, the PCB is trying its best to convince the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to conduct a short series tournament in Pakistan.
"It is not possible to play a full Test series this year that is obvious to us. But we are definitely keen on at least having a three match or five match series sometime this year in Pakistan, or, at a neutral venue to kick off the revival process", he stated.
The BCCI and the PCB are keen to discuss all issues and details, which are scheduled to be discussed in June, 2011.
The only problem that may come up in the arrangement happens to be the tight schedule of the Men in Blue. The PCB, however, is trying to slip in a 10-day plan to put both teams in a series.
Right after the Indian Premier League games, the Men in Blue will be heading over to West Indies and England for two separate tours. Though a series is scheduled between Pakistan and India in 2012, the PCB wants to host one this year, if it is deemed possible.
"What we realize is that the Indian Board is tied up with the Indian Premier League and only after that is over would they also be able to focus on the issue of reviving bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan", Chief Operating Officer, Subhan said.
The PCB Chief Executive Officer further stated that the Board’s first priority is to invite the Indian cricket team to Pakistan for a short series but if that is not possible, neutral venues can be sought out for the event to take place.

Read More