5 'test-match specialists' who have done very well in the IPL

Test Cricket is considered to be the pinnacle. In this day and age of fast paced action, there is still space and worth given to the longer version. Any cricketer around the world still hold Test Cricket to be the ultimate format, a format that demads perseverance and temperament.

There are players who are cut-out for Twenty20, they play with unfiltered freedom and introduce thrill into the game. However, there have been players, and more specifically batsmen who are ‘labelled’ Test cricketers because of their stoic approach and astute defence. 

These players have been equally successful in the shortest version of the game and have proven to be invaluable for their respective teams. 

We take a look at 5 such players who were branded Test specialists but have been equally succesful in the Indian Premier League.

1.) Rahul Dravid 

Dravid adapted his game and bossed T20 as well (IANS photo)

There have few better players who are technically correct and yet have dominated all the three different formats of the game. Rahul Dravid who was nicknamed ‘ Wall’ for his dead defense and water-tight technique took time to adapt to the fast paced Twenty20.

Once he got comfortable in the format, he blossomed and became the rock at the top of the order for his two teams. He started off with the Royal Challengers Bangalore and then moved to Rajasthan Royals. He led Rajasthan with dignity and did no harm to his reputation with the bat as well.

Few can forget his 3 consecutive sixes off the bowling of Samit Patel in his only T20 International against England. His record in the format is a testament to his adapting skills and hard work. In 109 T20 matches, he scored 2586 runs at a healty average of 27.51 and an impressive strike rate of 113.87.