Kapil Dev Shares Key Advice for Athletes: Plan Beyond the Game
Cricket legend Kapil Dev believes every athlete should look ahead while chasing their sports dreams. Speaking at the ‘Leadership & Life Beyond the Pitch’ panel during PlayCom 2025: Business of Sports Summit in New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam, the 1983 World Cup-winning captain urged players to prepare for life after sports.
Kapil Dev pointed out that a sports career often ends between 30 and 40, but life goes on for another 40 years. "How do you plan for that time? That’s the biggest challenge for any sportsman," he said. He warned that relying only on fame can leave you lost when the spotlight fades. "Don’t stop growing. Move forward and build your future," Kapil Dev added.
Drawing from his own experience, Kapil Dev shared a tip from a senior player early in his career: "Keep your eyes and ears open, even while sleeping." He explained that young athletes should learn from everyone in the team—captains, teammates, and even sponsors. "Watch what your captain does right and wrong. One day, you might lead the team. Pick the good habits and skip the bad ones," he advised.
Kapil Dev also stressed making real connections. "When you meet sponsors, don’t just chase money. Build friendships—they’ll support you for life," he said. He encouraged athletes to stay open to learning from the dressing room and beyond.
On handling team disagreements, Kapil Dev kept it simple: Differences of opinion strengthen the game, but they don’t mean personal fights. "In cricket or any team, it’s okay to disagree. Just understand it’s for the team’s good," he noted. He recalled his dynamic with Sunil Gavaskar, a fellow cricket icon. "Our styles differed because we played in different eras. Our talks were never arguments. Even today, after 40 years, I’d offer him my chair out of respect. He was one of the finest players."
Kapil Dev’s words at the sports summit highlight the need for athletes to balance passion with smart planning, ensuring a fulfilling life off the field.
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