Kapil Dev on Kohli & Dhoni, home pitches, Sachin talent row, Sehwag retirement

FORMER INDIAN CAPTAIN, Kapil Dev on Tuesday said that Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli will do well as captain, but has a long way to go before he matches MS Dhoni in terms of success. He also supported team director Ravi Shastri in his demand for suitable home pitches.

Earlier, Shastri was involved in a spat with MCA curator Sudhir Naik after the fifth ODI for not preparing rank turners that led to India's defeat in the ODI series against South Africa. Naik, who accused Shastri of using foul language has taken up the matter with the BCCI officials, who will be looking into the same. 

“I completely support Shastri. The home team should always play to their comfort that suits them, not the opponents. When you go to South Africa or anywhere, you get to play on the pitches that are against you,” Kapil said during the launch of a tournament in Rajasthan, ‘#Saath7 Cricket Mahotsav’ in Jaipur.

Having lost the T20I and ODI series, Team India now go into a four-match Test series against the World's No.1 team, the first of which will be played at Mohali. Kapil said the result of the series will completely depend on the type of pitches prepared.

"India will do well if the pitches are prepared keeping their strength in mind. That is to have good batting wickets that also offer assistance to their spinners. It will be tough to win if the curators end up preparing surfaces that suit South Africa."

Kapil also emphasized that it is not wrong to ask for suitable pitches, since it is the right of the home team and cricket is not played to please the touring side. 

"There is nothing wrong if the home team captain wants a pitch of his choice. We play on fast and bouncy tracks when we travel to South Africa," reasoned Kapil.

When asked who was a better captain between Dhoni and Kohli, Kapil refused to compare the two and instead, had a witty reply.

"Baap Baap hota hain aur beta beta hota hain. There is a still long way to go before Kohli the captain matches the achievements of Dhoni. Having said that, Kohli has been doing great as a batsman and I am sure he will be equally good as India's captain." 

On asked about his statement on Sachin Tendulkar that was reportedly misunderstood by the media, Kapil further refused to comment. 

“It is media’s way to view my comments in whichever way they can. I don’t want to say anything on it,” he insisted.

Speaking about the recently retired VirenderSehwag and his desire to play a farewell match, Kapil said the Delhi batsman has a lot of achievements and he should be happy with it. 

"It is upon the selectors whether to pick someone or drop someone or to discuss about the future of a cricketer. Moreover, Sehwag has done well in his career and he should be happy with it."

"No person gets whatever he desires. By playing one more match, Sehwag would not become any greater or a lesser player," he concluded.