Kapil Dev Criticized
Former India captain Kapil Dev drew criticism on social media for comments about mental health and depression while discussing how cricketers should have a passion for the game and how words like “pressure” and “depression” were unfamiliar to him during his playing days. Let us look at the details of Kapil Dev criticized.
Kapil Dev was speaking at Byju’s ‘Champions of Aakash 2022’ event, where he answered questions about how the condensed cricketing calendar and mushrooming T20 leagues around the world were putting cricketers under pressure to perform every time they went out.
Playing at the highest level remains every player’s ultimate goal.
For all aspiring cricketers, representing their country and donning the national jersey is a source of pride. But it comes at a cost. With cricket viewership increasing by the day, the margin of error for cricketers begins to narrow, putting more pressure on cricketers, especially with social media being the platform where players are frequently targeted. And this is in addition to the constant need to maintain consistency with the presence of competition within the team, as well as with cricket calendars becoming increasingly constrained. As a result, players have frequently complained about the pressures of playing at the highest level of cricket.
On Sunday, legendary India captain Kapil Dev issued a statement on the same
“I hear a lot that there’s a lot of pressure on players to play in the IPL. Then I only say one thing, don’t play. If a player has passion, there will be no pressure. I can’t understand these American terms, 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,”
I also remember going to school where students of class 10 and 12. They told him that they face a lot of pressure. I said, so you also face pressure. People sit in air-conditioned rooms with fees paid by their parents. and Teachers cannot beat you. So, from where is the pressure coming? Students should convert this into pleasure and fun, pressure is the wrong word
Here are some reactions:
Pls don't attach shame and stigma to #Mentalhealth , @therealkapildev sir! Read the article I wrote on the role of art therapy for #MentalHealthAwareness issues. #MentalHealthMatters #WorldMentalHealthDay . TALK ABOUT IT. @amritat @JahnaviPhalkeyhttps://t.co/JpNayfKnc9 https://t.co/d5wn8o7B6c
— Sahar Zaman (@saharzaman) October 10, 2022
What did he nail exactly? All he does is trivialise people's mental health and problems instead of empathising with them. He might have been fortunate enough to have been able to deal with pressure effectively, but that doesn't mean that others don't need help, rest or support. https://t.co/aviJkSQMyy
— Prapthi (@prapthi_m) October 10, 2022
This is why no one chooses to talk about mental health in India. It's treated as a taboo. Unbelievably poor from this great man. https://t.co/QmZBwwAFZb
— Jaanvi🏏 (@ThatCric8Girl) October 9, 2022
No wonder, no one talks about mental health in India openly, when legends of the game make a complete mockery of the problem…another reason to love the game and not blindly follow the icons who play it! https://t.co/bQrQxg3qdi
— Gagan Chawla (@toecrushrzzz) October 9, 2022
However, a bunch of fans and social media users are criticizing the 1983 World Cup-winning captain for his views and statements on mental health, as well as his lack of understanding of depression.
