Test Cricket Needs To Appeal Millennials, Says Gautam Gambhir

The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently introduced World Test Championship to revive the longer-format of the game. The viewership has witnessed a steep decline as the fans are more inclined towards the shorter versions. Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir, who never shy away from voicing his opinion said that Test cricket should attract the younger generations more.

ICC should standardise cricket balls: Gambhir

In a time of fast-moving world, the cricket has witnessed significant revolutions. The introductions of T20 cricket and even T10 have reduced the viewership in Test cricket. Many don’t seem optimistic about its future. Moreover, the cricketers are ready to give up the pristine format and focus on white-ball cricket.

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ICC has come out with the World Test Championship to give perspective to the bilateral series. The two-year-long championship with witness 71 matches in 27 series featuring nine teams. England will host the finals on June 2021.

Speaking to TOI about the revival of Test cricket, Gautam Gambhir said it should be more appalling to the current generations. He also called the concerned authorities to address the core issues.

“It is a no-brainer that Test cricket must jazz itself up to survive the onslaught of T20s and alternate entertainment options. I am a die-hard traditionalist, but Test cricket needs to appeal to the millennials. The core issues need to be addressed,” Gambhir said.

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Furthermore, Gautam Gambhir, who has played 58 Tests, urged ICC to standardised the use of cricket balls. While India uses Duke Balls, England, Ireland, and West Indies prefers Duke Balls while the rest uses Kookaburra.

“I can understand the commercial compulsions of this but it is strange to be in a common competition with variable apparatus,” Gambhir concluded.