18 July,2026 04:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kapil Dev (File pic)
Kapil Dev on Saturday said Rohit Sharma's retirement, whenever it comes, should be celebrated. He added that the Indian skipper has brought immense joy to cricket fans over the years.
"No, let's say happy. Why sad? He has given us so much happiness over the years. Everybody has to go. Sunil Gavaskar gone, Rahul gone, Anil Kumble gone, Sachin gone. Everybody has to go," Kapil told ANI.
The 1983 World Cup-winning captain said fans should celebrate Rohit's achievements instead of feeling sad about his departure.
"So when he goes, we should celebrate his life. What a happiness, how much entertainment he has given to the country, not only to the country, but also around the world. We should be happy, why sad?" he said.
"Yes, he has to go one day. I hope if he's going, he should get a hundred and go," he added.
The 39-year-old made his ODI debut against Ireland in Belfast on June 23, 2007, and has already stepped away from both the T20I and Test formats.
Legendary Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev on Saturday paid tribute to cricket icon Sir Garfield Sobers, describing him as one of the greatest all-rounders the game has ever seen and recalling a memorable golfing experience that reflected Sobers' extraordinary talent.
Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the Kapil Dev Sunil Gupta Super Speciality Hospital, Kapil said Sobers inspired generations of cricketers and remained one of the sport's biggest legends.
"One of the finest cricketers, for people like us, an all-rounder who wants to bat, bowl and field, I think nobody can come close to him. What a fine cricketer. Not in our era, one era before he played, and till today we talk about him. I think he taught us one thing: how to get runs. And he looked so passionate. Whatever footage I have seen, he used to enjoy sport," Kapil told ANI.
The 1983-World Cup winning skipper said Garfield Sobers' love for the game set him apart from many others.
"Sometimes we see these cricketers not enjoying so much, but he was one legend who enjoyed the sport more than anything else. Yes, it's a great loss, but he has given us so many happy moments in our lives," he added.
(With inputs from ANI)
