You just can't block and block in Tests anymore: Sachin Tendulkar

Bangalore, Aug 18 (IANS)

Sachin Tendulkar of India blocks the ball during a Test match between New Zealand and India. (Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images)

India’s cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar said Twenty20 has made the game innovative and asked youngsters to learn a few shots for Tests since it is no more just “block and block, which was the norm earlier”.

“T20 matches have brought innovation to the game. When it comes to Test cricket you need to adjust and no two players are similar, technique wise. Players have to stick to their basics, that is important,” Sachin said here Saturday night during the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Karnataka State Cricket Association.

The batting maestro said a player can become an instant hero in Twenty20. “T20 is the only format where you can become a hero in three or four deliveries.”

“You have to learn to play a few shots in Tests these days. You just can’t block and block, which was the norm earlier,” he said.

Tendulkar said cricket is the only game that is played across three formats and its getting exciting not only for cricketers but also for spectators.

“Cricket is the only sport to have three formats and its only getting more exciting not only for players but also for spectators. There is creativity and more results are coming by (in longer version of the game). The batsmen are willing to take chances …,” Tendulkar said.Tendulkar said that good players adapt to all the formats easily because they have the right basics.

“Good players learn to adapt and players like Chris Gayle, Michael Hussey or AB de Villiers dominate in all formats. So, we need to have our basics right,” he said.

Tendulkar also backed the implementation of technology saying it has benefited the sport.

“I wondered how this technology would help us learn cricket, but over a period of time figured out its importance. It helped us plan our innings.”

Asked what would he do if given the role of a selector, Tendulkar said he would analyse whether a player had the potential to withstand pressure, despite failures.

“Selection is not about looking at the scorebook. A selector can pick players who have scored heavily. But that does not always work out. For the past many years that I have been part of the Indian cricket, I have seen players who were exceptionally good at domestic level, somehow could not replicate it on the international stage,” he said.