Ravi Shastri calls for India to decline two-match Test Series, calls them a ‘waste of time’
The recent India-South Africa Test series ended with a bittersweet taste. On one hand, it showcased the thrilling unpredictability of the format, with each team claiming a resounding victory in some of the toughest conditions. On the other, the series was a mere two-match affair, leaving fans yearning for more and sparking a renewed debate about the future of Test cricket.
The decision to limit the series to two Tests can be traced back to Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) prioritization of its domestic T20 league, the SA20. This financial decision ignited a firestorm of criticism. Purists lamented the sidelining of Test cricket, the sport’s pinnacle format, for lucrative T20 leagues. Some even saw it as a harbinger of Test cricket’s eventual demise.
While the immediate consequence is a sense of lost opportunity, the bigger concern lies in the underlying factors influencing the decision. The financial disparities between Test cricket and T20 leagues are stark. Sponsors, broadcasters, and even players are drawn to the shorter format’s faster pace and commercial appeal. This creates a vicious cycle: reduced interest in Tests leads to lower revenue, further undermining the format’s sustainability.
Ravi Shastri slams 2-match contests
Ravi Shastri, a passionate voice in Indian cricket, unleashed a scathing critique of the two-Test series, calling it a “waste of time” that failed to serve no good. He argued that such brief encounters leave supporters yearning for the epic narratives and captivating battles that only Test cricket can deliver. He added that the Indian Cricket Board should never participate in 2-match rubbers henceforth.
“After watching this Test series, the Indian cricket establishment should make sure to never play just two Tests. If some country invites you for a two-Test series, say, ‘We won’t go’. Two-Test match series are a waste of time. It’s neither here nor there. Focus should be on either playing T20Is and Test matches or ODIs and Test matches. They could have easily played three T20Is and three Tests,” Shastri said on Star Sports.
