Test cricket may be losing popularity with Twenty20 catching the imagination of the younger generation, but swashbuckling opener Virender Sehwag says the longer version of the game has never been more exciting than it is today.
“There used to be so many draws in Test matches that would keep the crowds away but things have changed. We are getting more and more results in Test cricket and even a target of 350 can be chased in a day in a Test match.
“Cricket has not changed. A few innovations have come to make it more attractive. The approach has changed in some ways. Once a total of 200 was considered a winning one in One-day cricket. Not any more,” Sehwag said on the changing trends in cricket.
Sehwag released a book ‘Hamare Kaptan… Nayudu Se Dhoni tak…’ penned by Surya Prakash Chaturvedi at a function held at the Indian Islamic Cultural centre Tuesday.
“It is nice to see that books are being written on our past heroes. It will help the current generation to know about our former greats. I will certainly read and share the information with my team-mates,” Sehwag said.
The book gives an insight on all the captains who have led India and Sehwag acknowledged there was need to preserve the history of the game.
“Such books record the happenings for posterity and I am glad to be a part of it. There are some names that I have not heard but then that’s because we did not have access to information on former cricketers when we were growing up. Books like this will help us understand our cricketing past better. We would certainly want to know how our former captains led the teams, what were their tactics, how they batted, bowled.”
Sehwag congratulated wrestler Sushil Kumar on winning gold at the World Championship.
“It is a fantastic achievement. He also comes from Najafgarh and that makes it all the more memorable for me. We all should feel proud of him. His akhara was close to my house.”
Sehwag wished success to the Commonwealth Games.
“It is a great opportunity for everyone. I am sure the Games will be a great success. We all must support the Games.”
Later in the day, Sehwag was present at the launch of Timex range of watches to coincide with the World Cup next year.
“It helps to play at home. We have shown good form for some time and it would be great to carry this good form into the World Cup. The conditions do favour us and I don’t think we would be under any pressure. Home advantage can be great for our motivation.
