26 June,2011 07:01 AM IST | | Makarand Waingankar
Kapil Dev wants to see his former India teammate as president of the Mumbai Cricket Association
India's 1983 World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev has walked out to bat for former teammate Dilip Vengsarkar in his fight to gain supremacy in the July 15 Mumbai Cricket Association elections. Vengsarkar, the current MCA vice-president is striving to be president of the association. His possible rivals are Sharad Pawar (MCA president) and Vilasrao Deshmukh (MCA vice-president).
Coach Kapil Dev after knee surgery during India's 1999-2000
tour of Australiau00a0(Inset) Dilip Vengsarkar
"I have told Dilip to give me a call and I will be there on one leg to campaign for him. I have always campaigned for sportspersons, who were ready to run any sports association. Dilip is the right choice," Kapil told SUNDAY MiD DAY.
When asked as to why he is averse to non-sportspersons or politicians getting into cricket associations, Kapil said: "I am not against politicians getting into associations, but these days politicians promote themselves and not the game. Men like S K Wankhede and Madhavrao Scindia spent time watching the game the whole day. They were genuine lovers of the game. Now, politicians who have no background in the game are very keen to get into administration."
Kapil wasn't impressed when informed that Pawar helped develop cricket infrastructure in the city.u00a0 "Look, it's plain and simple: When you have a former India captain (Vengsarkar) willing to be the head, please give him a chance. I have known Dilip for years and he was very committed in whatever he did during his playing days. Given a chance to head the association, I am confident he will do a great job."
Leadership
There is always a question about leadership qualities and that is a matter of debate when Vengsarkar is compared to Pawar. "It's not true," Kapil thundered. "Vengsarkar was India captain and unless one saw leadership qualities in him, he wouldn't have been promoted to that position. Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni are prime examples of good leadership.
"They were given chances and proved to be good leaders. Vengsarkar has been in cricket administration for quite a while and having played at the international level, it does help when you head an association," Kapil added.
