India’s first World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, has said that playing for the country is more important than playing in the Indian Premier League, adding that although everybody loves money, certain players consider pursuing financial gain more important than representing the country.
Over the last three to four years, the debate of playing for the nation or being globetrotters and playing in T20 leagues has gained prominence, with several foreign cricketers deciding to go the second way.
On whether the growing financial pull of T20 leagues has overshadowed national representation, Kapil said that each cricketer weighs priorities differently.
“Everybody loves money, but some players feel that it is very important. I still feel playing for India
is more important than playing IPL. But everybody is individual; they have their own thought process,” Kapil said while speaking at an event in New Delhi.
Asked if he preferred any particular format, Kapil said that he enjoys the game in all its forms.
“I just love cricket. Does not matter even two balls cricket or 100 balls or 100 overs or 10 overs… cricket is cricket. See, golf is golf, whatever format you play, end of the day you enjoy golf,” Kapil said.
The former Indian cricketer also offered a light-hearted remark on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma when asked about their performances.
“Good luck, they should play golf also,” Kapil said.
The former Indian cricketer was speaking at the launch of ’72 The League’, a city-based golf event announced by the PGTI and scheduled for next year.
Kapil said that India needs golfers who can win big global titles to trigger a mass shift in how the sport is perceived in the country.
“We have to produce world champions. Once they go and win a European Cup or US Cup, or win at the Olympics, it will change the entire scenario,” Kapil said.
