Team India all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, refuted the claim made by Indian legend Kapil Dev that current players have grown arrogant due to the influence of money and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Jadeja dismissed Kapil’s comments, stating that such questions often arise whenever India faces defeat in a game or two.
In a recent interview with The Week magazine, Kapil expressed his opinion that the present crop of Indian cricketers appeared arrogant, possibly due to their substantial earnings, and that they seemed to believe they know everything.
When asked about his views on Kapil’s remarks during a press conference ahead of the third ODI against West Indies, Jadeja responded, “I wasn’t aware of when he said this. I don’t actively search for such things on social media. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. However, I can confidently say that it’s not the case. The players are genuinely enjoying their game and putting in hard work. They don’t take their places in the team for granted. Whenever they get a chance, they give their 100 percent and strive to win matches for India.”
Jadeja further emphasized that the perception of arrogance arises mainly after India suffers a loss, but it doesn’t reflect the players’ true character. He asserted, “Nobody in the team is arrogant. We all represent India with pride, and we play with a strong sense of responsibility towards the country. There is no personal agenda here.”
We are definitely going to play our best cricket in the third & final ODI: Ravindra Jadeja #TeamIndia | #WIvIND | @imjadeja pic.twitter.com/4oRPC255n3
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 31, 2023
Recently, India faced a six-wicket defeat against West Indies in the second ODI in Barbados. The third and deciding ODI of the three-match series is scheduled to take place at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad on August 1st.