Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has shared his views on the declining emphasis on Test cricket and its impact on modern batting techniques. His remarks followed India's unexpected 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens on Sunday, November 16. India were dismissed for just 93 runs while chasing a modest target of 124 on Day 3, marking the second-lowest target they have failed to chase in Test history. While the rank turner pitch drew criticism for excessive spin assistance, Manjrekar pointed to a deeper concern: batters no longer prioritize defensive skills. He believes that over the past five years, Test cricket has become the least favoured format among players and stakeholders, overshadowed by T20 leagues and limited-overs cricket. This shift has led to a generation of players who excel at aggressive strokeplay but struggle to defend against quality deliveries.
Changing Priorities in Modern Cricket
Manjrekar explained that Test cricket has become the third priority for contemporary players, behind T20 leagues and 50-overs cricket. This format uniquely demands sharp defensive abilities, which were once the hallmark of great batsmen until around 2000 when Test cricket dominated. With reduced focus on the longest format, defensive techniques have deteriorated. Today's batters can effortlessly clear boundaries into the second tier but find it challenging to block quality deliveries. Manjrekar emphasized this is not the players' fault but rather reflects how cricket has evolved. He suggested using flatter pitches similar to those in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in England, where bat-ball contests were more balanced and suited to modern batting approaches, ensuring more entertaining Test series.
Source: Link