One of Test cricket’s greatest openers in India, Virender Sehwag has said that he will support those young boys who wish to embarking on their cricket journey through T20 cricket as it can help them develop aggression and thus improve their performance in Tests.
Sehwag was speaking at a New Delhi-based event last Friday when he was named the first-ever brand ambassador of the delhi premier league (DPL), and admitted its attractiveness and financial viability T20 cricket has high appeal for young players.
In reference to the current test match style England have adopted which sees them scoring at five points per over, Sehwag emphasizes how test cricket is changing. He remembered how Australia used to score four runs every over during his playing days. He emphasized that attacking play gives more opportunity for victory in Test matches.
“The way England played Test cricket, they scored five runs per over. In our playing days, Australia used to score four runs per over. I have always believed that if you can attack then you will give more to your team. Chance to win the Test match,” Parami News quoted Sehwag as saying.
When asked whether several T20 leagues could distract youngsters from playing red-ball cricket. He cited his own experience with his 17-year-old son who played three-day U16 games for Delhi. He also noted IPL and DPL were avenues available during this era only.
“Look, my eldest son is 17 and he played three-day cricket for Delhi U16, but there are a lot of boys. Who might be waiting for that opportunity. When we were 18, there was no IPL. But now a youngster might think about playing in IPL or DPL,” he said.
Additionally, Sehwag reiterated his views on aggressive games being good for test cricket by saying. “So if someone develops aggressive games that are good for Test cricket then why not? After all we want people to come and watch Tests.”
Previously, ahead of the IPL, he had spoken about his attacking style in Test cricket and when asked about how he went about it, Sehwag responded funny. “Is this good or bad? I bowled over 270 balls and scored three tons. Kids today might score 400 if they bowl that many balls,” he quipped.
His son, Aaryavir, will be part of the DPL T20 draft. The league consists of Central Delhi Kings, East Delhi Knight Riders, North Delhi Strikers, Prani Delhi 6, South Delhi Superstars and West Delhi Lions.
Sehwag also highlighted the presence of prominent players mentioning that Rishabh Pant (subject to availability) would be the main attraction. Among other significant names were Ishant Sharma, Harshit Rana, Navideep Sainiand Ayush Badoni.
Players are divide into four categories by the league with Group A players earning 10 lakh rupees per year as salary. The winner of the league will get a cheque for Rs 1 crore . DDCA Chairman Rohan Jaitley confirmed that the match would be streamed live on major OTT platforms along with DRS powered by Hawkeye technology.
Jaitley guaranteed that as far as countering graft was concerned, the administration will not bear any compromise. He said BCCI’s anti-corruption unit would follow the code of conduct set out in BCCI guidelines.
