Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev has called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to prioritize the development of players as decent citizens following a verbal altercation between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir during the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL).
The incident occurred between Kohli, captain of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, and pacer Naveen-ul-Haq during a match against the Lucknow Super Giants in May. The tension escalated when Gambhir, mentor for the Super Giants, also became involved in the spat. Kapil Dev expressed his disappointment in the confrontations, stating that they reflected poorly on the governing body.
I urge the BCCI to groom players to not only excel in the sport but also to be good citizens. The altercation between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli in the IPL was painful for me, Kapil said.
Kapil Dev was particularly surprised by the behavior of Kohli and Gambhir, whom he considers to be two of his most important individuals. He cited examples such as Pele and Don Bradman to illustrate how athletes can sometimes lose their composure.
These are two of my most important people – Virat Kohli, one of the world’s top batsmen, and Gambhir, who is now a member of Parliament. How can they behave in such a manner? But sportsmen do lose their cool. From Pele to Don Bradman, it happens to everyone, the former World Cup winner explained.
As a consequence of the incident, both Kohli and Gambhir were fined 100% of their match fees by the BCCI, while Naveen-ul-Haq was given a 50% fine.
The clash between Kohli and Gambhir during the IPL 2023 will be remembered as one of the most controversial incidents in recent memory. It is worth noting that the two Indian cricketers had previously engaged in heated arguments during the IPL in 2013.
Kapil Dev’s comments highlight the need for players to maintain their composure and exhibit good sportsmanship both on and off the field. The BCCI and cricket authorities worldwide have a responsibility to ensure that players are not only skilled athletes but also exemplary individuals who uphold the values of the sport.
The incident serves as a reminder that emotions can sometimes get the better of athletes, even those at the top of their game. It is crucial for players to remember their role as ambassadors for the game and to conduct themselves in a manner deserving of the respect they receive from fans worldwide.
In conclusion, Kapil Dev’s appeal to the BCCI to focus on developing decent citizens who excel in cricket highlights the importance of nurturing not only players’ skills but also their character. Citing the verbal spat between Kohli and Gambhir during the IPL 2023, Kapil Dev emphasized the need for sportsmen to maintain their composure, drawing parallels with legendary athletes who have also experienced moments of heated emotion. The incident serves as a reminder that players should always uphold the values and spirit of the game, whether on or off the field.
