Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 903 Mon. December 11, 2006  
   
Sports


Kapil writes off India?


Considering India's prolonged patch of below-par performances, former captain Kapil Dev Sunday said the Indian team was not a strong contender for the world cup 2007.

"At this stage, India is not a strong contender for the world cup as they are passing through very tough time," Kapil said.

The country's only world cup winning captain said it was important to instil confidence in the team, which has not won a series in last six months, to get good results.

"Presently, the team's morale is down and efforts should be made to boost up their confidence to play well," said the former all rounder, who was here to inaugurate his new restaurant 'Elevens'.

Asked if coach Greg Chappell should be replaced, the legendary cricketer said, "it is up to the board and selectors for changing an Indian coach. But we must see how quickly Indian team start playing better."

On the inclusion of Sourav Ganguly in Test team, Kapil said, "it is not the question of inclusion of any cricketer. You bring any player in the team but the team should start putting in its best efforts for winning a match."