Kapil Dev urges to ‘stop comparison with 1983’ as India women stand on verge of creating history
As India Women prepare for their first World Cup final against South Africa, cricket legend Kapil Dev has urged fans to stop drawing parallels with India’s 1983 men’s victory, saying Harmanpreet Kaur’s team deserves to create its own legacy in Indian cricket history.
The Indian women’s cricket team stands on the verge of making history and is poised to leave an indelible mark on the sport as they gear up for the Women’s World Cup final against South Africa at their home ground, DY Patil Stadium. Despite failing to claim a trophy in the ICC tournaments, the prospect of clinching its first World Cup title brings back memories of 42 years ago when the men’s team broke its own drought.
As Indian fans held their breath hoping the women’s team could overcome past disappointments and triumph on home soil, they received encouragement and sage advice from a man who faced similar challenges and emerged victorious. Sharing his insights at a Star Sports launch, Kapil Dev guided Harmanpreet Kaur and her team as they approached this important moment.
“A lot of people compare them to ’83 and I don’t think there should ever be a comparison,” the 1983 winning captain said. “I felt like these girls are so much better, so smart and have taken cricket to the next level with the way they play cricket,” he continued.
Dev praised Harmanpreet Kaur for her remarkable performance, scoring 89 off 88 balls when her team needed it most during the mammoth 339-run chase in the semi-final. Additionally, Kapil Dev offered some guidance to the team, encouraging them to concentrate on playing quality cricket and assuring them that success will come naturally.
“The way the captain plays cricket is at a different level and I would like tomorrow’s final to be better than this. I can understand that you want to win to some extent, but the kind of cricket you play should be discussed more,” India’s legendary all-rounder said.
“There will be even more happiness if they win, but they must play good cricket. The way they have played will be even better,” Kapil Dev concluded.
India’s final obstacle on their way to the trophy will be a tough and determined South African team aiming for their first World Cup title in both men’s and women’s cricket. With so much at stake, both for the teams and for history, this is a match not to be missed.
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