Indian cricket can only benefit from Kapil Dev's return

When something is ingrained in a person's system for 25 years, it is difficult to shrug it off, let alone turn your back on it. Ask Kapil Dev.

There is certainly every indication that Kapil is slowly inching his way back to cricket after a self-imposed exile. Which is fine, for India can certainly do with Kapil's services in any capacity. If he just avoids the sensational angle, it would be all the better.

A year ago, amidst teary avowals and firm pronouncements that he was through with the game he had adorned for so long, the former Indian captain said he would have nothing to do with cricket hereafter. This followed his exoneration in the CBI inquiry into the match fixing scandal. The verdict against Kapil was not guilty as to the charge made by his former teammate Manoj Prabhakar that he had offered him Rs. 25 lakhs to under perform in a one-day match in Sri Lanka in 1994. When the accusation first broke out, Kapil broke down in tears on a TV programme and then hit back like a wounded tiger at Prabhakar. But the fact that the allegation had been made, that he was summoned by the CBI and then had to endure the humiliation of income tax raids on his house, was all a bit too much for the sensitive Kapil.

When the BCCI too probed him in the course of its own inquiry, a hurt Kapil indicated that he was no longer in the right frame of mind to continue as coach of the national team. After a brief cat and mouse game between him the Board, Kapil quit the post halfway through his two-year term. And when he was acquitted, an angry Kapil said there was no real happiness in it since his name had been dragged into the mud. Upset, he publicly turned his back on cricket, adding that he would concentrate on his business interests - and golf, which he had taken up seriously.

And indeed, for the past year, little was heard about Kapil on the cricketing front ­ and a lot was heard about him on the golf front as he took part regularly in tournaments. But last month saw evidence that Kapil just cannot keep away from the game. Suddenly, he made an appearance at the Ferozshah Kotla ground in New Delhi, addressing young hopefuls at a conditioning camp. "I never said I wouldn't help a cricketer if he approaches me," was his defence. "If I can teach cricket overseas, why wouldn't I do so in my own country?" he asked, in an obvious reference to his visit to Northern Ireland on behalf of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.

Indian left arm seamer Ashish Nehra had requested Kapil for help and the former Indian coach made some technical adjustments in his action before reluctantly agreeing to appear at the Kotla for another session. "I couldn't have made suggestions without watching him in action," he said. Kapil's presence at the Kotla, under the circumstances, was news and the media descended en masse on the ground. Bishen Bedi and a band of young cricketers, all armed with questions for the great all-rounder also landed up. Kapil didn't hesitate. Technical advice flowed freely. He also emphasized the importance of fitness and off-season training, and then promptly proceeded to put words into action by bowling to a few of the young batsmen in the nets.

Evidently enjoying the time spent at the Kotla, he said "How can I forget my roots? It would have been an insult to my association with the game if I had refused to help someone sort his problems out." Significantly, he also added that he no longer bears animosity for being forced out of his position of Indian team coach. "I was bitter when I left the job," he said. "But not now."

All this may be acceptable, but what might be a bit harder to digest is Kapil's announcement in Cuttack earlier this week. In the city on a business trip, he said he would come up with a bang that would shake his detractors who dragged him into the match fixing scandal. "I will come out with a big "dhamaka" and it will be in the media for days," he said. He also spoke freely about various aspects of the game including the recent performance of the Indian team, on frequent injuries to cricketers, on his coaching stint at the Kotla and memories of his heyday. There is certainly every indication that Kapil is slowly inching his way back to cricket after a self-imposed exile. Which is fine, for India can certainly do with Kapil's services in any capacity. If he just avoids the sensational angle, it would be all the better. Or perhaps Kapil has spoken of his "dhamaka" (explosion) in keeping with the spirit of the coming Diwali season.