Day not far when batsmen will score 400 in ODIs, says Kapil Dev

Former India captain Kapil Dev

New Delhi: Former India captain Kapil Dev feels the way modern-day cricket is progressing, that day may not be far when a batsman goes on to score 400 in one-day internationals (ODI).

Speaking in Udaipur at the sidelines of a cricket event, Kapil made a reference to the 35-ball century scored by Rohit Sharma in the T20I against Sri Lanka recently and said that the most noteworthy change in today's batsmen is their mindset. 

“The biggest change today is in the mindset of the cricketers. Scoring a hundred off 35 balls was unheard of back in the day (when I used to play). Indian cricket commands respect from all quarters and the quality reflects in the results. That’s a big positive,” the 1983 World Cup-winning captain said.

He was further asked if there is chance of a batsman scoring a triple century in ODIs. Incidentally, Rohit also scored his third double century in the last ODI series against Sri Lanka at home. 

“Why not! Why only a triple hundred, someday you might see someone score 400 in ODI cricket because players have changed gears to suit the format. In the 1980s, teams used to make 280 at the end of a day's play (in a Test match) and today they are racking up those runs in just 20 overs,” Kapil said.

After enjoying their most successful year in cricket, India are in South Africa for a tough Test assignment to begin their 2018.