Kapil Dev's Candid Reflections at Kolkata's Dr Vece Paes Cup
At the Dr Vece Paes Cup in Kolkata, cricket icon Kapil Dev remained true to his reputation—candid, grounded, and refreshingly uncomplicated. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the legendary all-rounder shared his insights on Kolkata's unique sporting culture, the enduring legacy of the Paes family, and his philosophy on life beyond the cricket pitch.
On Kolkata, Its People, and the Paes Family Legacy
"What draws me here are the wonderful people," Kapil Dev remarked. "In India, every region has its distinct character, and Bengalis are very, very different. You can see genuine happiness on everyone's faces—they don't complain much, and I truly appreciate that."
Reflecting on the Paes family's contributions, he added, "The Paes family has given so much to society. I may not have known Dr Vece Paes closely, but I've followed Leander's career more. I'm aware his father excelled in hockey. Being here for him and his father is wonderful—it's an honor to be part of such an event."
On Team Spirit and the Current Indian Cricket Team
When asked about advice for players, Kapil Dev humbly stated, "I'm not big enough to give advice to anyone. Just go out there, express yourself, and enjoy the game—that's more important than anything else." He emphasized cricket as a team sport, saying, "When you win a tournament, respect everyone. It's not right to highlight just one player. Yes, someone like Sanju Samson played superbly, but so did others. Everyone stepped up when needed."
He praised the current Indian team's performance, noting, "The Indian team is doing well, and that's crucial. They're playing with joy, and the infrastructure has improved a thousand percent. That's a fantastic sign for the future of cricket in India."
On His Career, Giving Back, and Life Beyond Cricket
Kapil Dev compared his career to school memories—fond but something to move past. "If I tell you to look back at your school days, you'll cherish them, but you move on. That's how I view my career. I had a wonderful time, and God has been kind," he shared.
He expressed gratitude for cricket's global impact on his life: "Cricket allowed me to travel worldwide, see diverse places, and understand people. Without it, I'd only know my upbringing. Cricket gave me a life." On giving back, he said, "I don't think everyone must do the same. People in the system—board members, selectors, coaches—are handling that, and I admire them. Now, I'm just enjoying life."
On Moving Forward, Cricket Formats, and Modern Game
Kapil Dev firmly believes in progression. "I don't miss cricket. Why should I? You move on in life. If you keep missing something, it means you haven't moved forward," he asserted. "It's like school—you might miss it, but you don't want to return. Every day, I wake up thinking about what more I can do. Golf is part of it, but life is bigger than one thing."
Regarding cricket formats, he said, "I simply love cricket—that's more important than whether it's T20, Tests, or anything else. Cricket gave me everything: a life and a mindset. It was everything then, but now life is broader. I enjoy watching and appreciating what players do today—that's enough for me."
