Vinod Kambli might have been more talented than Sachin Tendulkar: Kapil Dev

At a recent event in Pune, former Indian captain Kapil Dev emphasized on the fact that as a sportsperson, one needs more than just talent to excel at the biggest level and more importantly survive there.

Drawing comparison between batting legend Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli, Kapil Dev tried to explain his point. He rightly cited that both cricketers started off from the same place and at the same time. He even said that perhaps Kambli was more talented than Sachin but it was his habits, his friend circle and the support that differentiated him from Sachin. The result is very much evident from the fact that Sachin had an illustrious career of 24 years and Kambli couldn’t take the international limelight for long.

“They both started together and were equally talented. Kambli, maybe, was more talented, but his support system, the environment at home and his friends circle, was totally different than what Sachin had,” Kapil pointed out.

“We all know what happened later. Sachin went on to play for 24 years and Kambli just disappeared as he failed to lived up to the success he achieved early in his career,” said the World Cup-winning skipper.

He affirmed that support is the key in the career of any cricketer. “Talent is one thing, but a sportsperson needs more than that. Support of friends, parents, brother, sister, school, college… everything,” he quoted.

He also stressed on the fact that parents should not force their children to take up any career. They should let their children grow and take their own decisions. “Parents should give a chance to children to grow. Their job is to take the children to the ground. What the children do and learn is up to them. Do not push them to do something they don’t want to do,” he said.

He also noted that the 1983 World Cup triumph kick started the new revolution in Indian cricket. The present generation is reaping a benefit of it.

“Actually, our triumph helped the next generation to enjoy the fruits of our victory. The Cricket Board (BCCI) then was a small body, but later it went on to become one of the richest and influential sports bodies in the world and the current generation of cricketers are benefiting from it,” he said.

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