Quote Misquote: 5 Cricketing Quotes from Kapil Dev to Sunil Gavaskar

Hospitality, inspiration, criticism and conflicts of interest are all depicted by a set of five quotes from prominent cricketing personalities.

Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev go head to head, Parthiv Patel envisions emulating his hero, Sachin Tendulkar, Alan Butcher makes his excuses for his team, and Sunny Gavaskar expects none from the Indian side.

Five cricketing quotes to make your day.

What they said, what they really meant and what they definitely didn't.

Alan Butchers His Team's Excuses

What he said:

“Zimbabweans pride themselves on being hospitable. So even in this match, we keep throwing them a lifeline.”

Zimbabwean coach, Alan Butcher, throws up an innovative excuse for letting their opponents, Bangladesh, off the hook in the Test at Harare.

What he really meant:

“We do want the Bangladeshis returning for more. They’re the only team we can beat regularly.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“We take pride in losing matches at home.”

Parthiv Patel Is Pat With His Inspiration

What he said:

“Whenever I close my eyes and seek inspiration during trying times, I see only Tendulkar!"

Parthiv Patel, who made his Test debut at 17, has just one idol, Indian icon, Sachin Tendulkar.

What he really meant:

“Inspiration—thy name is Sachin Tendulkar.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Eyes wide shut, I have T20 vision—visions of Tendulkar.”

Sunil Gavaskar Recognizes School Boy Cricket When He Sees It

What he said:

“It looked like a contest between a professional team and a schoolboys team.”

Sunil Gavaskar is scathing in his criticism of the Indian team’s performance against a superior English side.

What he really meant:

“It’s no wonder warmup games feature second string players (Northamptonshire).”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Isn’t this remark pithier than Boycott’s ‘India played like Bangladesh’?”

Sunil Gavaskar Has Two Eyes, Two Hands and a Stomach Just Like Us

What he said:

“But they have got to remember that achievers, like them, also have two eyes, two hands—and a stomach (to feed)!”

Sunil Gavaskar is unconvinced that his contract with the BCCI as a paid commentator conflicts with his role as an expert for Sky Sports. Ravi Shastri is the other ex-cricketer hired by the Indian administrative body, each paid Rs. 3.6 crores annually.

The master opener defends his position saying that there are conflicts in every sphere of life.

What he really meant:

“Hey, if the BCCI and Sky Sports don’t care, why should you? Lump it or leave it.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“I’m not paid by either party.”

Kapil Dev Is Parliamentary About Sunny and Ravi's Conflict of Interest

What he said:

“Why should they speak out against the board? Will a Congress leader speak against his party in Parliament?”

Kapil Dev makes his opinion known as to whether Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri can be unbiased with their statements in the press box while being simultaneously indentured to the BCCI and providing expert views for Sky Sports.

What he really meant:

“The BCCI functions like a (Indian) political party. Either you toe the party line or you’re out.”

What he definitely didn’t:

“Are there any vacant slots for me in that box?”