Indian cricketing legend Kapil Dev, in a speech peppered with witticisms and worldly wisdom, stressed the importance of being honest to oneself.

The World Cup-winning captain was in the city as the chief guest at the launch of the book ‘Better Never Stops’ written by Shyam Srinivasan, former MD & CEO of The Federal Bank Ltd.

“When you write a book or do anything, you have to make sure you are honest to yourself. When you’re dishonest to yourself, you are not going to achieve in this world what you are here for,” said Kapil.

Recalling his cricketing days, Kapil jokingly quipped that he took to the sport because it allowed him to be away from class for longer than a game of football.

“I played for myself. Honestly, I played for myself. But you enjoyed it, that gives me the kick. If somebody says, I played for the nation, no, first I played for myself. That is the reality.

Passion

“When I picked up a bat and ball, I never realised that I could play for India. I had a passion as a kid only to play because I was horrible in class. So I started playing cricket. Football meant only one hour of staying away from class, while cricket gave me three days. So I enjoyed that,” said Kapil.