“Why aren’t we playing more day-night Test matches, when it’s a no-brainer that it will draw more viewership,” Manjrekar wondered.
Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. (Photo: AFP)
Veteran Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar blamed Indian batsmen’s poor technique for the team’s dismal performance in the recently concluded five-match Test series in England that India lost 1-4.
Manjrekar also heaped praises on Indian bowlers for bringing India back in track. “Interestingly, it was the batting that let India down this time (in England), the bowlers kept getting India back in the match and the batsmen kept letting those chances slip”, Manjrekar was quoted as saying while delivering the ninth Dilip Sardesai Memorial lecture at the Cricket Club of India.
“It wasn’t temperament that was letting these batsmen down. In South Africa and in England it was purely a technical problem, specifically defensive technique,” Manjrekar noted.
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The former Test cricketer also questioned Indian board’s reluctance in embracing day-night Test cricket. “The only way to get more people to watch Test cricket, increase its viewership, popularity and thereby it’s quality is day-night Test matches,” said Manjrekar.
“Why aren’t we playing more day-night Test matches, when it’s a no-brainer that it will draw more viewership,” Manjrekar wondered.
The 53-year-old also stressed over the fact that players are choosing T20 leagues over Test cricket.
“Today’s Test cricket is played in front of empty stands and IPL in front of frenzied crowds of 50,000 plus and millions watching on TV,” Manjrekar said, adding, “It’s about playing the IPL (Indian Premier League) at all cost, player injuries surface before and after the IPL. IPL offers you fame and money and who will say no to this?”
“Also Test cricket is just too damn hard, so it’s no wonder that many are choosing T20 leagues over Test matches,” Manjrekar added.
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