“I did not propose dropping Kapil Dev”: When Kapil Dev blamed Sunil Gavaskar for dropping him in India vs England Kolkata Test in 1984

Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar are certainly two of the biggest names in Indian cricket history. Both of them were part of the 1983 World Cup squad as well. It is well known that both of these legends did not share a great bond between them, and there are always some or other controversies going around them.

Kapil has also agreed many times that the selection committee kept changing the captaincy between them, which certainly hampered the relationship between the two stalwarts. Gavaskar was quite senior to Kapil, and Kapil said that he was surprised when he was made the captain in 1983.

Although, Kapil believes that it was also wrong when he was removed as the captain of the side despite winning the cup. In 1984, Gavaskar was again made the captain of the side, and it gave rise to yet another controversy between Gavaskar and Kapil due to selection calls.

Kapil Dev blamed Sunil Gavaskar for dropping him in India vs England Kolkata Test

In 1984, England toured India for a multiple-format series. The 3rd test of the series was being played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and surprisingly Kapil was dropped from the playing eleven, and it created a lot of talks at that time as well. It was said that Gavaskar was not happy with Kapil’s approach in 2nd test in Delhi.

The Delhi test was heading towards a draw, but Kapil played some rash shots in his innings. The selection committee was led by Chandy Borde at that time, and Kapil alleged that it was Gavaskar’s call to drop him from the team. Although, Gavaskar clarified that he was not at all involved in the selection of Kapil.

“As far as Kapil Dev is concerned, this has been something a myth that has been spread for a long, long time. I did not propose dropping Kapil Dev. I was part of the selection committee as the Indian captain and as the Indian captain, I can join the selection committee I do not have a voting right,” Sunil Gavaskar told Sports Today.