Kolkata: Saluting his decision to retire from Test cricket, former India captain Kapil Dev on Tuesday said Mahendra Singh Dhoni has given everybody, including the chair-greedy administrators, a food for thought with his bold step.
"You could have easily played 100 Tests. We could not do it what you have done by saying 'goodbye, I've done my best and let the next generation come out'. That's why I say 'Dhoni well done, you're my man'," Kapil Dev said during his address at the 4th Tiger Pataudi Memorial Lecture, organised by The Telegraph.
"Dhoni you're a great guy. You have served the country so well. He has done a good thing. A lot of people said he should have played at least 100 Tests. I think he has given us a new thought. You don't have to play throughout your life. You should retire when you think the next generation is coming," he said.
Quoting Aussie great Greg Chappell, he further said, "He had said one thing which I admire. Any cricketer who plays longer than his time, kills the next three generation. It's a thought I truly admire."
Taking a dig at the cricket administrators, Kapil Dev said, "I hope in cricket, the administration people will learn from it and not stick to their chairs for 30 years or lifetime."
Kapil also wished Dhoni and team all the best for their World Cup title defence in Australia-New Zealand next month.
"I wish you another victory. I hope you play well and don't let it go. It comes every four years. It's painful to wait for another four years."
Recollecting their 1983 triumph, the ace Indian all-rounder said, "I feel very proud and happy I was a part of the 1983 team. Forget about captaincy, but a part of the process we started in our country.
