Watch: Kapil Dev slams players bragging about 'mental pressure', asks them to not play cricket

Kapil Dev (Image Source: Twitter)

The rising numbers in T20 leagues are becoming a cause for concern for the cricketers. Many feel that the change in dynamics is demanding a lot from them and most of them opine that it ends up pressurizing them a lot. However, former Indian skipper, Kapil Dev, said that the players must stop playing the game if they feel pressurized.

Drawing himself as an example, Kapil said that he used to enjoy the sport during his time. Speaking during the ‘Champions of Akash 2022’ program organized by the educational institute, Akash BYJU’s, the legendary cricketer said that the players must enjoy the game rather than complain about it. 

“I had a passion to play. That was the difference. I would change the subject slightly. I hear a lot on TV these days. People say 'there's pressure, we play Indian T20 League, there's a lot of pressure'. I only say one thing, 'don't play'. What is this pressure? If you are passionate, there shouldn't be any pressure,” Kapil said in the program. 

Watch the video here:

Nailed it 👏🏽👏🏽 @therealkapildev pic.twitter.com/Wbs86nyEQh

— Aces Middle East (@Aces_sports) October 8, 2022

We played for enjoyment: Kapil

Furthermore, the former Indian cricketer said that his team enjoyed the game and never felt pressure at all. “These 'American words' have come, be it pressure or depression. I don't understand this. I am a farmer. That's where I have come from. We played for enjoyment and where there's enjoyment, there can't be pressure,” said Kapil further. 

Meanwhile, the Indian team led by Rohit Sharma has reached Australia to participate in the 20-20 World Cup 2022. The Men in Blue will take on Pakistan in the opening encounter on October 23 and it remains to see if they can avenge the Babar Azam-led team for the defeat in the previous edition of the World Cup. 

The Indian cricket board is yet to announce the replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in the squad and it is understood from various reports that Mohammed Shami is the front-runner as of now. Deepak Chahar, who was named on the list of standby players, remains doubtful for the tournament as he was ruled out of the ODI series against South Africa due to a stiff back.