Kapil Dev Makes a Valid Point: the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 isn't about Sachin Tendulkar

There is a buzz about Indian cricket and their prospects in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. However, the former Indian captain feels that it should not be only about Sachin Tendulkar or winning it for Sachin Tendulkar.

sachin tendulkar leaves a ball

It has to be said that for sometime now, there has been a repetitive 'we have to win it for Sachin' doing the rounds amongst the Indian cricketers. It has come from Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the Indian captain, no less and also, recently from Harbhajan Singh.

Sachin Tendulkar is a colossus in cricket standards. And indeed his services for team India are not only stellar but also, selfless. His mannerisms and qualities make him arguably one of India's biggest idols. And with this edition being Tendulkar's last in all likelihood unless he plans to surprise one and all and carry on for another four years which is quite possible given Tendulkar's insatiable appetite for the game, it is natural for his teammates to give him something to cherish as well for all the years of hard work.

While they have valid reasons, it would seem that the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 was about the cricket loving public as well. And that is why it is most refreshing, delightful and a relief as well that Kapil Dev, the Indian captain under whom India won the tournament only one time in the 1983 ICC Cricket World Cup, should raise a different point of view, which is really the larger picture.

Kapil Dev may have said it would be an insult to India to have the World Cup aspirations only limited to Sachin Tendulkar. And he was not wrong. While Kapil Dev has nothing but fondness and pride for Sachin Tendulkar, he realizes - as has Sachin Tendulkar - that the cricketers owe a lot to the public who come out to support them. He was merely pointing out the fact that the Indian cricketers are representing the nation and they owe it to the nation to give it their best and win the tournament. Well said, Sir!