'Don't play the IPL' - Kapil Dev's remarks on mental health sparks debate
Kapil Dev (PC: Twitter)
Former India captain Kapil Dev has never been one to mince his words. He speaks his heart out regardless of whatever the situation is and whoever the person at the other end of the table is.
The 1983 World Cup-winning captain was at it again when he was questioned about how a sportsperson should deal with the high amount of pressure they face while playing cricket at the highest level.
The legendary all-rounder, as always, put on a controversial answer to the question and brushed aside the concerns regarding the mental health of the sportsperson.
While addressing the audience at the 'Champions of Aakash 2022' event, the decorated all-rounder said he often hears that players have a lot of pressure to play in the Indian Premier League.
Weighing in on the same, Kapil Dev suggested that modern-day cricketers should stop participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL) if they feel pressured while playing.
"I hear a lot of times on TV that there's a lot of pressure on players to play in the IPL. Then I only say one thing, don't play."
Not just this, the former World Cup-winning captain went on to say that the terms like 'depression' are American concepts and he does not believe in that. He feels if a player has a passion for the game, he should never feel pressure while playing the game.
"If a player has passion, there will be no pressure. I can't understand these American words, like depression. I'm a farmer and we play because we enjoy the game, and there can't be any pressure while enjoying the game."
Kapil Dev's comments on mental health have sparked a massive controversy on social media. While there are people who have supported the legendary all-rounder claiming that his statement has been misinterpreted, there are fans who feel Kapil Dev has made a mockery of mental health issues.
 "Shivani Shukla")
