Legendary Knocks and Life Lessons: ICC Celebrates Centenary with Kapil Dev and Mithali Raj
By Ms.Tina Mondol
KOLKATA
The air at the Crystal Hall, Taj Bengal, was thick with nostalgia and inspiration as the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) marked its historic 100th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, the chamber hosted an electrifying session featuring two titans of Indian cricket: the “Haryana Hurricane” Kapil Dev and the “Queen of Indian Cricket” Mithali Raj.
Moderated by the charismatic sports broadcaster Jatin Sapru, the evening was less of a formal seminar and more of a masterclass in commitment, identity, and the pure joy of the game.
The Power of a Man’s Word: Kapil Dev’s Philosophy
Taking the stage with his trademark grit, 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev spoke passionately about the value of integrity.
Commitment as Identity: Kapil emphasized that a person is only as good as their word. “Your word represents who you are,” he remarked, noting that staying true to one’s promises is the ultimate mark of a player.
The “Rude” Professional: Addressing his legendary intensity during practice, Kapil shared a candid insight. While some perceived him as “rude” on the field, he clarified that it stemmed from a place of pure discipline and an innocent heart. To him, the field is a temple where nothing less than 100% is acceptable.
Play for Yourself, Not the Pressure: In a surprising piece of advice for the youth, Kapil suggested that players should stop saying they “play for the country” if it creates crippling pressure. “I played for myself,” he admitted. “I played because I loved it. When you enjoy every moment for yourself, the excellence follows naturally.”
Finding the Inner Strength: Mithali Raj on the Rise of Women’s Cricket
Mithali Raj, the trailblazer who redefined women’s cricket in India, shared a powerful anecdote from her early days playing alongside boys in the Ranji Trophy circuits.
Timing over Muscle: Recalling a time she practiced with a physically stronger male contemporary, Mithali shared how she refused to be intimidated. “I didn’t try to mimic a boy’s strength. I found my own strength—my timing,” she said, urging young women to look inward rather than outward for their power.
The “Butterfly” Effect: Reflecting on the evolution of the sport, Mithali noted how far the game has come since her debut. Seeing the current crop of young female cricketers fills her with “butterflies,” a testament to the growth and professionalism now present in the women’s wing of the sport.
Golden Rules of Sportsmanship
The session reached a crescendo when Jatin Sapru asked about the bond between teammates. Kapil Dev delivered a poignant reminder of locker-room ethics:
”Never say a bad word about a fellow cricketer who stood on the ground with you. The bond of the game is sacred.”
A Century of Excellence
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General of the ICC, followed by a networking dinner where Kolkata’s elite discussed the intersection of sports and business leadership.
The Indian Chamber of Commerce’s Centenary Session didn’t just celebrate 100 years of trade and industry; it celebrated the spirit of Indian resilience. As the lights dimmed at Taj Bengal, the message was clear: whether in business or on the pitch, honesty with oneself remains the ultimate game-changer.
