I hate being branded as 'Test Specialist': Murali Vijay

I hate being branded as ‘Test Specialist’: Murali Vijay: Indian test opener Murali Vijay said that he is very uncomfortable when he is branded as a “Test Specialist” by the fans across the country. He said that it is not about being specialist in one particular format but it’s all about adapting to different formats.

Vijay has been India’s backbone in Test matches for a while now has been a successful Twenty20 batsman in the past. In the 2011 IPL, Vijay has scored over 400 runs at the top of the order for Chennai Super Kings and was a vital member of the team.

Speaking about the specialist tag, Vijay said I don’t think there is anything as a Test or ODI specialist. As a cricketer you have to learn to adapt. As long as you are performing in the middle, you should be automatic choice for all formats.

He also spoke about the Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson, his Kings XI Punjab teammate whom he torn apart in the 4 match test series. Vijay said that Johnson is a true teammate and gives some valuable tips to the youngsters like Sandeep Sharma and Anureet Singh. Vijay said The two Mitchells (here and in Australia) are completely different characters. He is a professional and I appreciate him for that. We both knew each other’s role when we played against each other. Now he is a true team-mate, passing on great tips to some of our younger players.

Vijay said that he has a huge respect for Virender Sehwag and always wanted to open the innings with the Nawab of Najafgarh. He said I have always respected Viru as a cricketer and individual all my life. I am trying to learn from him all the time and the best place to do that is from the other end.