Since Kapil Dev’s retirement in 1994, India has struggled to find a durable and quality all-rounder of his ilk.
Kapil Dev remains a towering figure in Indian cricket, renowned not only for leading India to their historic 1983 World Cup victory but also for his incredible all-round abilities. Dev’s record speaks for itself: 5,248 runs and 434 wickets in 131 Tests, and 3,783 runs and 253 wickets in 225 ODIs. Despite the vast talent pool in India, the search for an all-rounder of Kapil’s caliber has proven elusive. This raises the question: why hasn’t India found another Kapil Dev?
Anil Kumble, former Indian leg-spinner, highlighted a significant issue before the 2023 World Cup: the scarcity of genuine all-rounders in the Indian team. He pointed out that while bowlers providing some batting depth is secondary, having batsmen who can bowl effectively is crucial for team balance, particularly in the 50-over format. Kumble’s concern materialized during the World Cup when Hardik Pandya, India’s key all-rounder, was injured, leaving a void in the team.
India has a rich history of producing quality all-rounders. Legends like LalaAmarnath, VinooMankad, and Kapil Dev himself set high standards. The 1983 World Cup-winning team and the 1985 World Championship of Cricket squad were packed with versatile players who could contribute both with bat and ball. This balance was instrumental in India’s success in these tournaments. However, this golden era of Indian all-rounders has not been replicated in recent years.
India has a rich history of producing quality all-rounders// Picture Courtesy — SVET
Since Kapil Dev’s retirement in 1994, India has struggled to find a durable and quality all-rounder of his ilk. Although players like Ravi Shastri, ManojPrabhakar, and MadanLal performed admirably in their times, the current crop of all-rounders has not filled the gap left by Kapil. Players like Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Shardul Thakur have shown promise but have not consistently provided the balance needed in both Tests and ODIs.
The debate on whether India needs bowling or batting all-rounders continues. Former all-rounders MadanLal and ManojPrabhakar argue that genuine all-rounders are primarily bowlers who can bat effectively, citing examples like Richard Hadlee, Ian Botham, and Kapil Dev. They emphasize that these players’ primary role was to take wickets, and their batting was a bonus. Anil Kumble, on the other hand, stresses the need for batsmen who can provide bowling options, reflecting a shift in modern cricket dynamics.
The rise of T20 cricket has significantly impacted the development of all-rounders. The shorter format’s emphasis on quick results and high financial rewards has shifted players’ focus away from the longer formats, where all-rounders typically hone their skills. This shift has led to a scarcity of players who can bat for extended periods and bowl effectively over long spells, a critical aspect of being a successful all-rounder in Tests and ODIs.
The quest for another Kapil Dev continues to be a challenge for Indian cricket // Picture Courtesy — Quora
MadanLalhighlights the importance of domestic multi-day matches in developing quality all-rounders. He points out that playing in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy tests a player’s temperament and skill over longer periods, essential for an all-rounder’s development. However, with the growing popularity of T20 leagues, many players are bypassing these foundational tournaments, leading to a gap in the development of genuine all-rounders.
The role of captains in nurturing all-rounders cannot be understated. ManojPrabhakar credits his development as an all-rounder to the support of his captain, Sunil Gavaskar. He argues that captains play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing players with all-round potential. However, the current structure of having different captains for different formats complicates this process, potentially hindering the development of consistent all-rounders.
The quest for another Kapil Dev continues to be a challenge for Indian cricket. The combination of changing cricket dynamics, the impact of T20 cricket, and the need for robust domestic structures has made it difficult to find a genuine all-rounder of Kapil’s caliber. While players like Jadeja and Pandya have shown potential, India needs to address these underlying issues to develop the next generation of great all-rounders.
