Former India opener Virender Sehwag has supported the trend of youngsters starting their cricket journeys with the T20 format nowadays.
Speaking at an event in New Delhi on Friday (August 2), Sehwag acknowledged that the allure and financial viability of T20 cricket are major attractors for young players.
The 45-year-old also highlighted the evolving nature of Test cricket, referring to England's explosive style of playing the longest format, also known as Bazball.
"The manner in which England is playing Test cricket, scoring at five runs an over. In our playing days, Australia used to score at 4 runs per over. I have always believed that if you can attack, then you give your team more chances to win the Test matches," Sehwag was quoted as saying by PTI.
When enquired about the potential of numerous T20 leagues taking the youngsters' focus away from red-ball cricket, Sehwag cited the example of his 17-year-old son, who has played three-day cricket for Delhi U16.
He pointed out that in the absence of IPL during his youth, the aspirations were different compared to what it is now.
"Look, my elder son is 17 and he played three-day cricket for Delhi U16 but there are a lot of boys who might be waiting for that opportunity. When we were 18, there was no IPL. But, now, a youngster might think of playing IPL, and DPL gives you that opportunity," he remarked.
Sehwag also expressed his viewpoint on aggressive gameplay benefiting Test cricket by saying, "So, if anyone develops an aggressive game that can suit Test cricket, then why not? After all, we would like people to come and watch Tests."
Virender Sehwag, who scored runs in Test cricket at an incredible strike rate of 82.23, responded humorously when asked about his approach.
"Was it good or bad? I scored a triple ton in 270-odd balls. Today's kid might score 400 if they play that many balls," he quipped.
Widely regarded as one of the most explosive openers in cricket history, Sehwag represented India in 104 Tests, amassing 8586 runs at an average of 49.34 with 23 hundreds and 32 half-centuries.
(With PTI Inputs)
