GB Desk
Could anyone have imagined that a cricket icon from India would one day lead the country's golf scene? This became a reality in June when World Cup-winning former cricket captain Kapil Dev was appointed as the new President of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), marking a new chapter for the celebrated athlete who has also thrived as an amateur golfer.
Known as the “Haryana Hurricane,” Kapil Dev played his final match for India in October 1993. After retiring from cricket, he discovered a passion for golf that has only grown over the years.
His enthusiasm for the sport, coupled with his celebrity status, has significantly uplifted Indian golf.
Few nations embrace a sport as fervently as India embraces cricket. However, like many other sports, golf has struggled to emerge from cricket’s long shadow, despite their shared origins during the British Raj from 1858 to 1947. Both sports demand hand-eye coordination and feature a similar rhythm—whether it’s the pause between shots or the focus on precision.
Few understand these parallels better than Kapil Dev, the only player in history to take over 400 wickets and score more than 5,000 runs in Test cricket.
Now 65 and a single-digit handicap golfer, Dev has represented India in several senior amateur tournaments. In a 2018 interview with CNN, he remarked, “In cricket, you’re always depending on someone else. In golf, it’s all on you. You can feel proud of your good shots, but a bad shot is yours alone to critique.”
Reflecting on his dual representation of India, he said, “When I was 12, I didn’t grasp the significance of playing cricket for my country. Picking up golf at 37 and representing India again feels amazing.”
In 1983, Kapil captained India to a historic World Cup victory against the West Indies, further elevating cricket's popularity in the country. He recognizes the challenges golf faces in competing with such a beloved sport.
“It’s tough because golf requires significant land—at least 150 acres. Cricket can be played in backyards or streets. Yet, I’ve noticed a shift; now, to play at Delhi Golf Club on weekends, you need to book a week in advance. That’s a sign of golf’s growing appeal. If more young people embrace the sport, it could flourish,” he explained.
Dev also observes a cultural shift in how sports are perceived. “When I was a kid, parents prioritized studies over sports. Today, they encourage children to explore athletics. With the increased exposure and financial opportunities in sports, parents now support their kids in pursuing athletic careers.”
As Kapil continues to inspire the next generation, both cricket and golf are likely to thrive in India. Many cricketers have taken up golf, following in Kapil’s footsteps, including Ajay Jadeja, Syed Kirmani, and even legends like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. Their growing interest can largely be attributed to Kapil’s advocacy for the sport.
[This story draws on articles from CNN and India Golf Weekly.]
