Kapil Dev becomes President of Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI)

Kapil Dev, the former India Test captain and 1983 World Cup winner, has taken on a new role in Indian sports, this time as president of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI). In his latest venture, he is adding value to Indian golf by leveraging his brand.

A tournament named after him, the Kapil Dev Invitational, is currently underway at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort course in Greater Noida. The event has brought together top golfers from across the country, and Kapil's presence on site adds a touch of nostalgia and excitement to the proceedings.

Kapil expressed his gratitude for being honored with a tournament bearing his name, stating that it was done without his knowledge or consent. He revealed that an approach was made by the organizers, who then decided to proceed with the idea. The former cricketer downplayed the significance of the event, describing himself as "just a worker".

In a reflection on his illustrious career and current endeavors, Kapil's role in Indian sports can be seen as a continuation of his passion for the game. His transition from cricket to coaching and now golf is a testament to his versatility and dedication to promoting sports in India.

The role of a coach in cricket can't be learned overnight, and it's not something that can be achieved with a short-term assignment. Kapil Dev emphasizes that even his own experience as a coach was brief, lasting less than six months.

Kapil Dev is now involved in promoting golf in India, which he finds fulfilling. He expresses happiness about contributing to the sport, especially since cricket doesn't seem to need his services at present. His involvement in golf allows him to do something he loves and stay active in sports.

Playing golf during his cricketing days would have helped Kapil Dev with concentration, as it requires focus on a smaller target. Many active cricketers are now serious about golf, and Kapil Dev advises them to enjoy the game rather than viewing it as a competitive pursuit.

Workload management is a pressing concern in modern cricket, with many players struggling to maintain their fitness levels due to inconsistent schedules and heavy workloads.

Kapil Dev acknowledges that he was fortunate to never suffer from injuries during his playing career, but recognizes that the current generation of cricketers faces different challenges. He suggests that only those currently playing can truly understand the intricacies of managing workload and staying injury-free.

To be available more often, players like Hardik Pandya need to maintain a consistent level of physical activity, which can be achieved by playing regular cricket. However, Kapil Dev is hesitant to offer specific advice on how Pandya can improve his availability, instead emphasizing that each player's circumstances are unique.

The increasing prevalence of injuries in cricket over the past four to five years has sparked debate about whether modern cricketers are being asked to play too much too soon. Sandeep Patil's observation that a player who can participate in 250 days out of 365 is considered successful highlights the fine line between maintaining fitness and risking injury.

The current crop of Indian cricketers is more confident and talented than their predecessors.

They receive a significant number of opportunities to showcase their skills, which was not always the case in the past.

When Kapil Dev played, if he wasn't part of the national team, he would have to participate in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy or Duleep Trophy.

The current crop of Indian cricketers has a lot to live up to, given the standards set by their predecessors. Kapil Dev, the former captain and legend of the game, is always on the lookout for the next big thing. When assessing young players, he considers those who have the potential to make it big in the next decade or so.

To identify these future stars, Dev looks at cricketers who are currently performing well and have a bright future ahead of them. He mentions Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as examples of players who have made India proud with their skills and consistency.

However, finding the perfect replacement for Kohli is not an easy task, according to Dev. He points out that many young cricketers with immense talent often fail to deliver when it matters most. Vinod Kambli's career is a prime example of this phenomenon, where he showed great promise but ultimately fizzled out.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, another talented youngster, has caught Dev's attention, but the former captain is cautious in his assessment. At 16 years old, Sooryavanshi still needs time to develop and mature as a player, especially with the pressures of fame and fortune looming large over him.

Kapil Dev's admiration for Jasprit Bumrah is evident in his praise for the unorthodox bowler's ability to succeed despite a non-traditional action. He acknowledges that Bumrah has proven critics wrong by becoming one of the world's leading bowlers with an unconventional style.

Dev's comments are a testament to his open-minded approach, which is essential for identifying new talent and developing players who may not fit traditional molds. In fact, he has already spoken about the need to find Virat Kohli's successor, indicating that he believes in nurturing young players to take on leadership roles.

However, Dev also expresses concern for another former cricketer, Vinod Kambli, who is struggling with personal issues. While he emphasizes that Kambli must take responsibility for his situation, he suggests that financial assistance may not be the solution and instead proposes paying for medical or rehabilitation expenses if needed.

In a separate matter, Dev mentions his friendship with Imran Khan, a former Pakistani cricket captain, and expresses hope that Khan's government will consider releasing him on humanitarian grounds.