Indian cricketers have
an attitude: Kapil

Questioning the "commitment" of Indian cricketers, including captain Sourav Ganguly and master batsman Sachin Tendulkar, legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev said India's prospects of winning the World Cup next year do not look "very bright".

The former India captain and coach asserted that's because the current Indian team comprises "stars".

"Any team aiming to win the World Cup needs dedicated people, ready to die on the ground -- to give more than 100 per cent. It has to be a committed lot rather than stars.

"No doubt, Sachin Tendulkar is one of the topmost players India has produced, but you can't change his attitude; can you? Sourav Ganguly is one of the best left-handed batsmen India has produced, but can you change his attitude? If you can change their attitudes, India can have a different team," Kapil Dev said, in an interview in London on Friday.

"Some times you do get the impression that they are just in their own world. Sorry to say that, but you get the impression that they are not [part of] a team unit, even though great cricketers.

"All of them are, in their own places, extraordinary cricketers. You take Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Javagal Srinath, Anil Kumble. When you see their personal records, I think nobody can match them. But they should come together as a team and then the young boys can get moulded.

"They are committed to play; but the commitment to win? That is what is lacking," Kapil Dev said.

Criticising Ganguly for his inability to motivate the team, he said, "It is the commitment from the top guys; commitment from the leadership that is lacking. A captain has to lead from the front. It is important for the captain to make sure that everybody gets along. That is called team spirit."

Going by the performance of the Indian team during the last five months, he felt "India's prospects [of winning the World Cup] do not look very bright".

Kapil also lamented the fact that too much cricket is being played, which forces the players to take "breaks".

"My reasoning in saying too much cricket is happening is: why does a cricketer need to take a break. Break means too much cricket is happening. When a cricketer needs a break, the team needs a break.

"When I used to play, we did not need a break. We wanted to play. Why has the best player, Sachin Tendulkar, to rest? Why should we give a break to [Javagal] Srinath? Why give a break to Rahul [Dravid] or anybody? If they are injured, it is different.

"No cricketer would like to take a break from playing for his country. If any cricketer were to say he needs a break, I think, his time has come... or they are playing too much cricket," Kapil declared.

He added: "Why can't we give a break to the people who organise them [the matches]? Will they like to have a break? No."

Asked whether changing team officials, like the coach or manager, can make a difference, Kapil replied, "The boys have to have the thirst and hunger within themselves. Then you can always help from outside.

"Players have to be more committed. Then a coach, a manager or a physio can help. But if you have an attitude - a laid-back attitude - then I don't think it will help. It does not matter who comes and tries to teach you."

Asked for suggestions to improve India's prospects at the World Cup, he said it is for the cricket board to make them.

"It is an institution and the institution will have to sit together and plan what they should for cricket in our country.

"They should see whether there is any alternative or not. There can be an alternative always; there is nothing that is impossible; there is nothing you cannot change for your country.

"They have to have selfless reason to promote the game," Kapil said.

Mail Cricket Editor