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Kapil is right choice, say former cricketers

The appointment of Kapil Dev as coach of the Indian cricket team for the next two years was hailed by former cricketers today.

Former India coach Ajit Wadekar said it was a good move to appoint the highest wicket taker in Test cricket. "He has got the experience and, more importantly, he's crazy about discipline."

Wadekar felt that under Kapil's fitness regime the Indian fielding is bound to improve. ''He is also a positive person, having the killer instinct. There will be no shortage of respect for him.

"Bringing the team together will be Kapil's main challenge. Basically the Indian players come from different cultures and it is a difficult task to get them together,'' he said.

Madan Lal, who coached the Indian team in 1996 and 1997, said: "He was a top class player and his experience will benefit the present lot of Indian players."

Chandu Borde, who replaced Wadekar as chairman of the senior selection committee this morning, too felt the same. "It is a great idea to have Kapil as the coach. He is not only experienced, but will also command the respect from the boys. I am sure he will boost the team morale, which is going through a traumatic phase," he said.

On his own appointment, Borde said, "It's a pleasant surprise; it is the biggest century in my life."

The 55-Tests veteran said: "It is nice to be in the saddle once again, though it would be a tough job to restructure the Indian team. I have always accepted challenges; this latest is a new one to put the country back on the highest pedestal."

Borde was chairman of the selection committee in 1982. He played 55 Tests from 1958 to 1969 and scored more than 3,000 runs which included five centuries. His best score of 177 not out against Pakistan was at Chennai in 1961. He also captured 52 Test wickets as a leg-spinner, though he was forced to later give up bowling because of a shoulder injury.

UNI