Former India cricket captain Kapil Dev has voiced his displeasure at not receiving an invitation to the World Cup final between India and Australia, causing a stir among cricket enthusiasts and raising questions about the selection process for invites to such prestigious events. Kapil, the iconic all-rounder who captained India to their landmark 1983 ODI World Cup victory, expressed his desire to attend the final match, scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium, alongside his fellow teammates from the victorious ’83 squad.
Speaking to ABP News, Kapil Dev revealed his sentiment on the matter, stating, “I wasn’t invited there. They didn’t call me so I did not go. As simple as that. I wanted the whole ’83 team to be there with me, but I guess due to the fact that it’s such a big event and people are so busy handling responsibilities, sometimes they forget.” This unexpected revelation was highlighted by the Twitter user Veer Wolf, who shared a picture with the hashtag #KapilDev, sparking further discussion within the cricketing community.
The oversight drew considerable attention as various other prominent former India captains like Sourav Ganguly made appearances at the final in their official capacities. Ganguly was invited as a former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which traditionally extends invitations to past presidents and officials.
The grand finale was not only a feast for cricket fans but also saw a constellation of stars in attendance. Bollywood heavyweights such as Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Ranveer Singh graced the stands. Badminton legend Prakash Padukone was another notable personality who could be seen soaking in the atmosphere at the stadium.
The match itself was a showcase of cricketing excellence and strategy. Even against formidable and disciplined bowling from the five-time champions Australia, India managed to put up a competitive score of 240 runs, thanks to tenacious half-centuries from stalwarts Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. Despite the sluggish, dry pitch that tended to favor the bowlers, the Indian batsmen showcased skill and determination with Kohli and KL Rahul contributing 54 and 66 runs respectively, while skipper Rohit Sharma chipped in with an aggressive 47.
This gripping encounter between the phenomenal forces of cricket demonstrated the unpredictability and charm of the game. The sea of blue jerseys that filled the stadium witnessed a spectacle of true cricketing spirit and skills where, in the end, the bat and the ball displayed an intriguing battle of dominance.
As the news and reactions continue to flow in the aftermath of the sensational game and the surprising omission of Kapil Dev from the guest list, cricket fans from around the world remain attached to their screens for the latest updates. They follow on social media platforms, eagerly waiting for insights and schedules for upcoming matches in World Cup 2023.
While avid supporters and cricket aficionados debate and discuss the intricacies of the game, they also reflect on the gestures that honor the legends of cricket. The absence of Kapil Dev, a figure synonymous with India’s cricketing prowess and history, from the World Cup final points to a deeper conversation about paying homage to the individuals who have shaped the sport’s legacy.
The echoes of the World Cup 2023 final will resonate not just in the runs scored or wickets taken, but also in the ethos of inclusion, respect, and celebration of cricket’s illustrious heritage and its heroes. As the cricketing world looks ahead to the next big event, one hopes that oversights such as this can be avoided in the future to ensure that all legends of the game are given their due honor in the annals of cricket history.