Sachin Tendulkar suggests two pitches in single Ranji game

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has put forward some unique suggestions for the improvement of the domestic cricket, the survival of Test cricket, and method to help Indian players prepare for the oversea tour during his speech at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit (HTLS).

Tendulkar, who has a two and half decade of playing experience apart from all his gigantic records, gave a contrasting answer when about Test cricket and its decline in popularity. Cricket Boards and the ICC have been working very hard in maintaining the sheen of Cricket’s oldest format. An innovative twist to the game, like the day-night version has been implemented and gaining popularity slowly. But, Tendulkar spoke about the issue with a whole new perspective other than crowd turnout and the rise of T20 cricket.

“I don’t think it (Test cricket) is dying. The mindset of the people is changing. There are not enough rivalries now.”

Rivalries took place because the game was engaging, the pitch was more bowler-friendly… The current generation is watching something else…to avoid that, you need surfaces that allow fair competition.

“It was the rivalries… When Imran Khan was bowling to Sunil Gavaskar, our coach would take us aside and say ‘this is how back-foot defence should be played’. Then there was Jeff Thomson and Viv Richards, Brian Lara and Glenn McGrath. They were engaging rivalries.”

Indian Test team has also undergone an immense change in their overall attitude, especially in the longest format. Virat Kohli’s aggressive go-getter attitude seems to have brushed the whole unit which is currently enjoying a great streak in Test cricket.

“They remind me of what we did from 2000 to 2010. (Virender) Sehwag, Rahul (Dravid) at No 3, me, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. It (the current side) will always be the best, soon rest of the world will also rate them as the best. It is a very balanced side.”

BCCI this year brought a unique change in the Ranji Trophy by taking the matches to neutral venues. But, the decision could not become popular and not many supported it. Speaking on revolutionising domestic cricket, Tendulkar suggested another out of the box idea, stating that two types of tracks should be used to play the domestic games.

“When you start a match (first innings), play on a green top. The openers, you are giving them practice (to play abroad). The second string, they must know how the Kookaburra moves, swings. In the second  innings, move to a turning track… Then there will be balance between batsmen and bowlers. Play with the SG ball in the second innings. On less helpful tracks, SG will reverse. Basically it will make sure toss doesn’t decide. It will give only 10% advantage.”