“Cricketing Legend and Former World Cup-Winning Captain Kapil Dev Publicly Expresses Deep Disappointment in the Current Generation of Indian Pacers, Claiming Their Lack of Consistency, Fitness Issues, and Over-Reliance on Technology Have Diminished the Legacy of Indian Fast Bowling He Helped Build—Urges BCCI and Coaching Staff to Refocus on Discipline, Aggression, and Long-Term Physical Conditioning to Reignite the Spirit of True Fast Bowling That Once Shocked the World in 1983”
In a rare and strongly worded statement, Kapil Dev, the iconic former captain of the Indian cricket team and a pioneer of Indian fast bowling, has voiced his disappointment in the current group of Indian pacers, calling for serious introspection within the system that develops and manages them.
Speaking at a recent cricket summit in Mumbai, Kapil did not mince words:
I don’t see the hunger or the fire I once knew. Injuries, inconsistency, and too much dependence on technology have made many of today’s bowlers look like athletes who play safe—not warriors who lead the charge.”
Kapil, who took 434 Test wickets and led India to its first-ever World Cup title in 1983, lamented how injuries are derailing promising careers and how young pacers are being managed more like “fragile assets” rather than “fearless match-winners.”
He stressed the need for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to enforce stricter fitness standards and develop programs focused on long-term endurance and mental resilience.
Fans across India are echoing his concerns, especially after India’s bowling collapses in recent high-stakes games. Many view Kapil’s words as a wake-up call.
“Fast bowling should scare batsmen. It’s not just about line and length. It’s about attitude,” Kapil concluded.
As one of the most respected voices in Indian cricket, Kapil Dev’s criticism may spark long-overdue reforms in the nation’s fast bowling culture.
