Kapil Dev, India’s World Cup–winning captain of 1983, is remembered as one of the finest all-rounders in the history of cricket. Known for his aggressive batting, sharp bowling and inspirational leadership, he remains a hero for millions. Yet, despite his glorious achievements, his name has often surfaced in controversies that refuse to fade away.
Recently, former cricketer Yograj Singh, father of Yuvraj Singh, has once again raised questions about Kapil Dev. Yograj revived the old match-fixing case from the late 1990s, alleging that the matter was deliberately buried to protect the image of cricketing legends. He insisted that reopening the case could shake the foundations of Indian cricket and damage several big reputations.
The controversy goes back to 1997 when Manoj Prabhakar accused Kapil Dev of offering him money to underperform. This led to a detailed inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation. After years of examination, the CBI announced in 2000 that no credible evidence was found against Kapil Dev, clearing him of all the allegations. However, Yograj Singh has questioned the closure of the case, suggesting that it was silenced to protect not just Kapil Dev but also other prominent names such as Mohammad Azharuddin.
In his latest comments, Yograj Singh claimed that journalists should ask why the case was never reopened, arguing that if it were, the reputations of several great players would collapse. He has been openly critical of Kapil Dev before and has also spoken harshly about other icons like MS Dhoni and Bishan Singh Bedi. According to Yograj Singh, these players did not treat their teammates fairly and their leadership often came at the cost of others’ careers.
He pointed to examples of cricketers like Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh who have publicly shared grievances about being sidelined. Yograj connected these issues to a larger problem of power and politics in Indian cricket. He also accused MS Dhoni of avoiding accountability, remarking that a person who refuses to answer questions carries a guilty conscience.
While Kapil Dev was cleared of wrongdoing more than two decades ago, Yograj Singh’s repeated accusations ensure the debate remains alive. His words echo a deeper frustration with how cricket in India has been managed and how some players, despite their talent, may have suffered under leadership decisions.
Kapil Dev’s name continues to symbolise both greatness and controversy. For fans, the 1983 hero remains a source of pride but as old wounds are reopened, the shadow of match-fixing debates lingers over Indian cricket’s golden past.
