Sachin Tendulkar dismisses talk of dying Test cricket

More rivalries needed

Cricketing legend, Sachin Tendulkar, has opined that Test cricket isn’t really dying, contrary to popular belief. The legendary batsman gave an interview at Hindustan Times Leadership summit, where he spoke at lengths about various issues regarding the gentleman’s game.

When asked about whether the longest format of the game was in its dying phase, the former Mumbai Indians captain stated that rivalry is what cricket is truly lacking.

“Test cricket is not dying. It’s about the big rivalries. There was a time when everyone wanted to beat West Indies. Then came Australia. These rivalries are dying,” Sachin said.

Using the rivalry of Wahab Riaz and Shane Watson as a reference point, the man who many claim to be God believes that cricket needs battles like that, “To engage the crowd, there must be an even contest between bat and ball. The Wahab Riaz spell against Shane Watson makes cricket special.”

One of the greatest rivalries we witnessed in days gone by was that of Sachin Tendulkar and Glenn McGrath. Tendulkar, one of the coolest in the business, revealed that not getting angry was one of his strategies.

“The battle against McGrath was great. We fought on the field, but off it, we were great friends,” he said.

One of the suggestions the Little Master had was to play back-to-back Test games on home and away soil. However, he also doubted whether this was actually possible.

“It will be a good idea to play back-to-back Test matches on a home-and-away basis. It will make the matches more exciting. Let India host two Tests at home and then let England host India in the next two. Don’t know if that ever will be possible,” he said.

The Run Machine then went on to heap praise on the Indian cricket team, stating that they have the right balance and the perfect coach in Anil Kumble.

“Virat Kohli’s team has the right balance. The batting line is very strong and there is great balance in batting and bowling. More importantly, you have the best man in the dressing room, Anil Kumble.”

Finally, he urged the nation to be more vigilant when it comes to participating in fitness activities as it would give the mass an idea about the life of a sports personality and holds the key for the country to become a superpower in general sports as well.

“As a nation, we are less participant. We comment by watching TV. I would want everyone to be more participative. This will help their lifestyle. Fitness is key and as a nation, we tend to spend more time on the dining table. We love our parathas. But the day we learn to balance food and fitness, we will become a great sporting nation,” the little master concluded.

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