Kapil has done a good thing: Dhindsa

Union Sports Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa on Wednesday said cricket legend Kapil Dev did the right thing by resigning as coach of the Indian cricket team amidst allegations of his involvement in the match-fixing scandal.

"Kapil has done a good thing by resigning," Dhindsa said, reiterating his stand that all cricketers and cricket officials against whom allegations of match-fixing have been made should disassociate themselves from the game till cleared.

Describing himself as a "great fan and admirer of Kapil Dev, who was the role model for many a budding cricketer not long ago", he said, "I am praying to God that nothing should come out against him after the CBI completes its probe."

Dhindsa said the second-highest wicket-taker in Tests has done a lot for Indian cricket but termed his resignation as "timely" in view of "the serious nature of allegations against him".

"Kapil, by resigning, has enhanced his own prestige in the eyes of all cricket lovers in particular, and Indians in general," he said.

On Tuesday, Kapil had rejected the BCCI's offer to continue as national coach and bid a highly emotional farewell to the game, accusing the BCCI of lack of professionalism and 'slaughter' of cricketers even before they have been proved guilty.

Following his decision, the BCCI appointed Anshuman Gaekwad as the new coach till October end, which includes the tours of Nairobi and Sharjah.

Mail Cricket Editor