Kapil Dev backs Dhoni as India skipper

New Delhi: Former India cricket captain Kapil Dev on Saturday conceded that the form slump of senior openers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag is a big worry for the team ahead of the twin Test series against England and Australia.

"Of course, it is a cause of worry if players of that calibre don`t get runs. They have big reputations and when you have such big reputations then there is a case for you to defend that," Kapil said on the sidelines of the Junior National tennis Championships where he was chief guest for the finals. "They are big players and it is important for them to score runs not only for the team but also for themselves otherwise there will be worrying signs," he added. Both Gambhir and Sehwag struggled at the recent World Twenty20 Championships but remain India`s best opening option ahead of the upcoming home series against England next month and Australia which will come here in February-March. Kapil sidestepped queries on the issue of whether Sachin Tendulkar should retire from international cricket. "Bade player ke baare mein na hi baat karein to accha hai (It is better not to talk about the decisions of big players)," he said. "He had recently given an interview and he has said what he had to say," he added referring to Tendulkar`s statement that he would reassess his plans next month. On to other issues and Kapil said the general expectations from Mahendra Singh Dhoni the captain are much more than what one should have. "You can`t expect him to win all the time. He has given you World Cup, World T20, won Test matches, been number one in ICC rankings, so you can`t expect him to win everytime," Kapil said. Kapil tried to put things in perspective when asked about the concept of multiple captains being tried out in India. "If you have someone who is good enough to lead in all three formats, why do you need separate captains. But is there anyone who can do it? Do we have options for three formats?" he asked. "There are certain things that Australia does and we tend to follow that but when we do certain things, we are criticised," he added. The legendary all-rounder said that no selection committee can ever make everyone happy with its decisions. "Selectors can`t please everyone but I am ok if they are working for the benefit of Indian cricket. It`s an administrative decision to appoint a selection committee and I would like to let them do their job," he said. Asked about speculation of him coming back as the Director of the National Cricket Academy, Kapil said, "It`s time for me to leave." PTI