Sanjay Manjrekar, Test cricket
Sanjay Manjrekar (Photo by Pramod Thakur/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

Former Indian batsman and now commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has put his weight behind the longest format of the game. Manjrekar wants to see more Day-Night Test matches to preserve the red ball version of the game. In fact, it is seen in the recent past the popularity of Test cricket is on the downward slope. In the age of T20 cricket, the purest form of the game has taken a backseat, which is not a good sign.

Meanwhile, it makes more sense to hosts Day-Night Test matches as the crowd can come to watch after their respective work. However, it hasn’t been the case as the Day-Night Test matches can be counted on one’s finger.

Sanjay Manjrekar, India, Pakistan
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The T20 cricket has brought a new era in the game and the fans are falling more towards it. In the process, Test cricket, which is regarded as the purest form of the game has somewhat lost its essence. Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted some pointers in the Dilip Sardesai Memorial lecture.

Test cricket needs more oxygen to keep breathing.

“Today’s Test cricket is played in front of empty stands and IPL in front of full houses. Players’ injuries happen before and after IPL. IPL pays hard. There is too much random meaningless (bilateral) cricket.

“But it’s not that there is zero interest for Test cricket. It’s because we are cocky. We keep Test cricket at working hours. Day-night Tests is the way to go. If you, for example, have Test cricket at Wankhede stadium during daytime you will have 10000 people. 25000 will come in if it’s played as a day-night game,” he argued.

India vs Windies, Squad
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Adding more, the former Mumbai batsman said that the administrators should take a player’s view. However, it is not necessary to be dictated by the players as wisdom comes after a certain age.

“I can answer this because I have been a player myself. Players don’t know what’s best for the game. They are in their 20’s and 30’s. Wisdom comes after that. They know what’s best for them and about winning. That’s why administrators should take players’ views but not be dictated by them,” he replied.

Sanjay Manjrekar, Test cricket
Sanjay Manjrekar (Photo by Pramod Thakur/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

On the other hand, Manjrekar also lauded former Indian skipper, MS Dhoni. Sanjay Manjrekar said Dhoni brought stability to the table with his calmness.

“Dhoni brought calmness to Indian cricket,” Manjrekar said.

There is no doubt Test cricket needs all the backing it can get. Subsequently, if there is a success for the Test championship, it would be great for the oldest form of the game.

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Cricket is my first love. I want to be a wordsmith. I want to weave magic with my words.