Former India cricketer and current cricket commentator Sanjay Manjrekar recently shared his thoughts on the Indian Test team’s performance, the importance of Test cricket, and the Indian Premier League (IPL). He stated that it is not fair to be too critical of India’s loss to Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, as credible previews had predicted a strong possibility of an Australian win. Manjrekar pointed out that India’s weakened bowling attack with the absence of key players Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah hurt them in the match.
He also discussed Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s batting approach, noting how he played off the front foot instead of utilizing his pull shot, which would’ve contributed to his success against the Aussie pacers. Manjrekar suggested that Kohli can benefit from revisiting his earlier technique of playing more from inside the crease.
Regarding the preparation for Test cricket, Manjrekar felt that creating a pool of players specifically suited for Test cricket instead of solely focusing on IPL sensations is necessary. He suggested that it would allow for fresh, energized players to compete, such as in the case of Australia’s Scott Boland in the fourth Test against India. He added that while T20 cricket and the IPL may be the future, Test cricket still holds a special place in the hearts of fans and shouldn’t be ignored.
Manjrekar argued that while it might not be feasible to remove players from the IPL, a more level playing field and equal opportunity for selection is essential. He emphasized that India must take every step possible to keep Test cricket alive and relevant in today’s cricketing world. India must strive to excel at the format and ensure it remains a significant part of the sport’s fabric.
