NEW DELHI: Former India great Kapil Dev has slammed the media’s obsession with Sachin Tendulkar achieving 100 international centuries, saying the focus should be on the team’s performances.
During India’s recent tour of England, speculation reached fever pitch about Tendulkar reaching the landmark figure.
But the star failed to fulfil his fans’ hopes and was left stranded on 99 hundreds – 51 in Tests and 48 in one-day internationals.
“You seem more keen about Sachin’s 99 hundreds and not about how we are going to win the next series,” Kapil said while delivering the Dilip Sardesai lecture in memory of the former Test batsman in Mumbai on Thursday.
“I am not saying don’t give credit to individual performances, but the country should come first.
“Everyone knows Sachin has 99 centuries, but how many know which of those have ended in victories? Out of Sachin’s 99 hundreds, 60 have ended in wins. If anyone reports that I’ll be happy.
“We have to change our mindset. If we lose the match, what’s the use of statistics? To hell with that!”
Kapil, who became India’s first World Cup-winning captain in 1983, also blamed tight scheduling for the team’s disastrous show in England. “The players did not get time to unwind and enjoy their World Cup victory.” (PTI)