Former Team India fast bowler Javagal Srinath urged all of the youngsters who want to undertake cricket as their long-term profession to focus on Test cricket more than the T20 format.
The former cricketer observed that it is easy for any aspiring cricketer to get lured by the T20 format because it is currently the most glamorous form of the game. But to sustain a long-lasting career, there is no second choice but to consider Test cricket as the most serious format for the game. Javagal Srinath explained that Test cricket is a five-day format; that is why it is called the ‘mother of all cricket.’
Javagal Srinath explains why Test cricket is necessary over IPL
Speaking to the media on the occasion of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Awards (MPCA) in Indore, Srinath mentioned that the Indian Premier League (IPL) is important, but to add more depth to cricket, Test cricket is necessary and unmatchable. The former fast bowler also mentioned that the players who accommodate themselves in the longest format of the game find it easy to fit in the white-ball formats as well.
“IPL is important, but you need depth in cricket, which is there in Tests. Test cricket is a five-day format, which is why it is called the ‘mother of all cricket.’ A player who plays Test cricket can also find it easier to play T20 cricket, but for someone who only plays T20 cricket, playing Test cricket is not as easy. Stick to Test cricket, the longer version of the game. Alongside that, you can also play T20,” the former India cricketer mentioned, as quoted by ANI.
Javagal Srinath urged the parents to guide the young cricketers to Test cricket
The 56-year-old also expressed that because of lucrative deals and all the limelight, emerging cricketers easily get attracted by the shortest format and franchise league. But to extend a career as a cricketer over a decade, Javagal Srinath urged parents, cricket associations and coaches to guide the aspirants to Test cricket first.
“It is natural (to get attracted to the IPL). There is more glamour and all of it. Parents, state associations, coaches, etc should guide their children regarding their cricket. If you want to make it a profession for 15 years, you have to play Tests. You get rotated really quickly in T20s,” he added.
International career stats of Javagal Srinath
Before the era of Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra, Javagal Srinath was one of the main fast bowlers to represent the India National Cricket Team’s pace bowling attack. From 1991 to 2002, Srinath played for India in 67 Tests, taking 236 wickets at an average of 30.49, with 10 five-wicket hauls and a ten-fer.
In the One Day International format, the former fast bowler played for India in 229 ODIs to take 315 wickets at an average of 28.08, with three five-wicket hauls. To date, he remains the national side’s second-highest wicket-taker in ODIs. Overall, the legendary seamer has taken 551 wickets in 296 international matches for the Men in Blue.