Mumbai: Cricket rivalry in India is not confined to Pakistan only. There have been instances when state cricketers could not look eye-to-eye. According to a report in Mid-Day, former India captain Kapil Dev’s comments about iconic batsman Sachin Tendulkar echoes the one-time dislike cricketers from other regions had towards the Bombay players.
Read: Sachin didn't apply himself to ruthless international cricket: Kapil Dev
The report quoted Ajit Wadekar, veteran India cricketer, saying: “Yes, in a way, I can sense that dislike. I have been experiencing it since my University cricket days. A lot of Northern players disliked us. They enjoyed staying in Mumbai, but not playing against Mumbai.
“In the final analysis, Sachin scored the maximum runs and is a true legend, and where Mumbai cricket is concerned, — we always — everyone including Sachin and Sunil Gavaskar — played for the team and not for ourselves. That's why we won the Ranji Trophy 40 times. We knew how to win."
Kapil dev was quoted saying Khaleej Times that, “He (Sachin) got stuck with Bombay cricket. He didn't apply himself to ruthless international cricket. I think he should have spent more time with Vivian Richards than some of the Bombay guys who played just neat and straight cricket. He did not know how to make double hundreds, triple hundreds and 400 though he had the ability, and was stuck in the Mumbai school of cricket.”
Former Mumbai cricketer Shishir Hattangadi expressed his opinion on the issue as well.
Media channels,I am not going to take sides on the Kapil, Sachin issue it's an opinion,one may disagree or agree,use your own rationale
— shishir hattangadi (@shishhattangadi) October 30, 2015Here's how social media reacted to Kapil Dev's "Sachin didn't do justice to his talent" remark.
but kapil dev ji, sachin tendulkar made 6 test double hundreds & the first one was with you as coach! he also made the first 200 in ODIs!
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) October 29, 2015Agree with Kapil Dev that Sachin didn't do justice to his talent, could've done much more like winning an Olympic gold & Wrestlemania.
— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) October 29, 2015Wife: Fasting on #KarvaChauth for u today Kapil Dev: Just 1 day? Do u knw an avg lady can fast for 5 days? Pls do justice to ur potential
— The-Lying-Lama (@KyaUkhaadLega) October 30, 2015Now, Why Is Kapil Dev Trending? Did He Return The 1983 World Cup? ;)
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) October 29, 2015Kapil Dev's book should be named ' Should have played Sehwag's way' :P
— crickBC (@crickBC) October 29, 2015
