CHANDIGARH, July 21:Cricket icon Kapil Dev Nikhanj advised the students not to ignore their studies which are very important in their lives. Addressing students of St Stephen’s School in Sector 45 here today, the former Indian skipper said "you are lucky that your parents are providing best education in one of the leading schools of Chandigarh."
‘Do not ever tell lie. That is character building," advised Kapil, a product of Sector 16 Cricket Stadium of Chandigarh.
"Cricket was my education. I was not good in studies but my focus was always on sports. I used to run away from classes (you should not do it) to concentrate more on cricket," said Kapil who led India to historic victory in 1983 World Cup besides setting his own milestones in England.
After his address to the students and the staff, including Principal Harold Carver, Kapil Dev was generous with the students allowing them to ask only five questions. However, the session was extended to 25 questions.
Answering a question what difference he felt in the present day cricket and this game played at your time, Kapil Dev said "We played for passion and for country’s prestige. We were not professionals. Now professionalism has been introduced. Cricket can be now adopted as career."
To a question how did he feel when India won the World Cup in 1983, Kapil asked girl student whether she had ever stood first in her class? Getting a negative answer, Kapil said "If you would have stood first and got medal amidst loud cheers from the audience, you will feel at top of the world. I was in the same situation. I was very happy."
Which victory you will rate the best India winning the 1983 World Cup or the Twenty-20 World Cup, asked a student. Kapil said "both victories are important. However, as I was part of the 1983 World Cup, for me that is obviously the best one."
A student wanted to know the worst and the best moments of his career. "Getting out for a duck was the worst one. It is very difficult to walk 120 yards from the middle to the dressing room. One thinks the earth should split and he should enter into it. However, after scoring century, the distance from the middle was covered in just 30 seconds with spectators applauding the achievement."
After the question-answer session, Kapil Dev said that his relations with his coach had now developed into friendship.
Earlier, Kapil Dev was given a tumultuous welcome by the students who lined up on both sides of the passage leading to the auditorium, Principal Harold Carver and his staff presented flowers to Kapil Dev.