In the wake of Kapil Sharma-Sunil Grover saga, a look at the Kapil-Sunil controversy

Leading Indian comedians Kapil Sharma and Sunil Grover have been in the spotlight for the bad blood between them. The two work together as a part of a team for a popular Indian TV comedy show. Back in 1984, another famous Kapil-Sunil duo also from the same team found themselves in the midst of a shocking controversy. And that duo was Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar.

India’s greatest all-rounder Kapil Dev was dropped for the 1984 Kolkata Test match against England. He was axed for playing an irresponsible stroke in the second Test of the series at Delhi. Team India had defeated the visitors in the previous Test in Mumbai and a draw appeared to be pretty much on the card in the Delhi match. India had overcome the 111-run first innings deficit and were 207 for four with only over a session to go.

Sandeep Patil holed out and Kapil also played an immature shot. India were reduced to 28/6, and England clinched victory against all odds. Gavaskar was accused of being livid with the strokes played by both Patil and Kapil.

The selectors, headed by Chandu Borde, had a meetting with Sunil Gavaskar to select team for the next match, and it was mutually decided that both Kapil and Patil should be dropped. Kapil apparently alleged Gavaskar was the reason for his omission. But the legendary opener claimed that he had been late for the selection committee meeting and did not say a word.

Following the war of words, then BCCI President, NKP Salve, requested both the players to resolve their differences. The Kolkata crowd was not happy with Kapil’s axing, and chanted ‘No Kapil, No Test’ and even pelted Gavaskar with rotten vegetables and fruits. Gavaskar vowed he would never play at Eden Gardens again, and did not when India took on Pakistan there in 1986-87.

Years down the line, the incident has been buried by both Dev and Gavaskar. And now they have nothing but praise for each other.