Former Indian captain has backed the current Indian ODI skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to lead the Test side in the near future.

By Aman Kapoor

Speaking exclusively to Mobile ESPN on Tuesday night, the 1983 World Cup-winning skipper said India's one-day captain was "more than capable to lead India in all forms of the game."

Someone who loves to speak his mind, Kapil applauded Dhoni's aggression and leadership qualities, even going to the extent that last September's T20 World Cup victory in South Africa was "bigger" than the 1983 Prudential World Cup win at the Lord's. "Today's victory is always better than yesterday's," said Kapil.

Looking forward to the Australia series, the Haryana Hurricane said Symonds or no Symonds, the 4-Test series will have all the ingredients to be a potboiler. With both teams playing hard and the acrimony of the last series Down Under barely forgotten, Kapil feels emotions will run high. "Gamesmanship and sledging will be part and parcel of the game but both teams must take the field to play good cricket. Sledging should not be highlighted and the authorities will have to ensure there is peace on and off the pitch."

When asked about Sachin Tendulkar's indifferent form at a time when he just 76 runs short of Brian Lara's record of most runs in Test cricket, Kapil said: "As a spectator or as someone who watches the game from home, I want him to get that record today rather than wait for him to cross the landmark tomorrow. I'll wish him all the luck and it would bring immense joy to see him get there. But I'd like to see him play more positive cricket. He had a very poor series in Lanka, but I hope the next one brings us more happiness."

Kapil also insisted that Harbhajan Singh, who has made the headlines for all the wrong reasons in the past, will once again be able to turn things on his head (read: fingers!). Kapil claimed the Lanka series was the resurgence of the Turbanator, who is now just nine wickets short of the 300-mark in Tests: "I think he's a fabulous bowler. Getting 300 wickets is not easy and I think Harbhajan realizes how much potential he has. He is constantly working on his game and I'd wish him all the luck."

Kapil added that the umpire referral system introduced in the Lanka series was a terrific way to ensure fairness in the game. "I am all for the review system in cricket. A player always wants a fair decision and if such a system can give him that than why not?"

The former national coach also backed the idea of cricket being included in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. "It will be great to have cricket in the Commonwealth Games. All Commonwealth countries play the game and there is absolutely nothing wrong with the idea of including cricket. But the boards must be able to take care of their ICC commitments first before they can work towards such an idea."

The Indian Cricket League chairman concluded saying he held no grudges against the BCCI-backed Indian Premier League: "I have no problems with the IPL. I see no difference between the IPL and the Indian Cricket League as both promote the game. On the contrary, I'd like to wish the IPL all the good luck, but I hope they wish the same for us."