'It's okay if Virat scores a century and then blows a flying kiss'

Former India captain Kapil Dev says he is fine with Virat Kohli's antics as long as India's best batsman at the moment is performing on field.

"If Virat Kohli scores a century and then blows a flying kiss towards his girlfriend, I have no problems. Rather I have problem if a player scores zero and is blowing a flying kiss.

"We played cricket in a different era and now its a different era. We have to accept that," Kapil said at a Cricket Conclave organized by News24.

"We can't just sit back and think that cricket is no longer a gentleman's game. Times have changed. The generation I played was different.

"We grew up with Test cricket. But now you have sledging, abuses and T20 is an accepted format." 

Kapil also took a sarcastic dig at India's team huddle which he described as "hug". 

"Well I have never understood this team hug inside the ground at start of the match. What were you guys doing in dressing room. Only eating eggs!"

On India's chances in the World Cup, Kapil said it was 25 percent and also explained his reason for it. 

"India I believe will reach semi-finals and all four semi finalists will have 25 percent chance. You can't predict from there on.

"I believe start is very important. I think the first 15 overs will decide how India will perform.

"I would take 40/0 in first 15 overs which can give us 270 plus total. It's a must. But if India lose 2-3 wickets in 15 overs it will be difficult," Kapil said.

Image: Virat Kohli of India blows a kiss to girlfriend Anushka Sharma after scoring a century against Sri Lanka.

Photo: PTI