The man who revolutionsed the game feels T20 is enhancing players’ skill-sets
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Method to the Madness
Mumbai: It’s sort of a chestnut now, to term Twenty20 as the format which is like fast food, pop music and is the ‘in vogue’ platform. However the modern day cricketer, who has embraced it wholeheartedly, begs to differ. For him, T20 is the method to madness, a platform that lets him demonstrate his skills; a stage which responds to them faster.
Evolution is inevitable and by the same token essential. Evolution may have been misunderstood as far as cricket is concerned. To think that the game is becoming faster, more attractive has turned into some sort of a ‘misdeed’ for purists. For sure, a few facets of the traditional game are nowhere to be found but the exhilaration is anything but lost.
With six or seven nations at tops, racing at the international level with a certain amount of finesse, obviously, the game’s evolution into the next level was unavoidable. Not only has Twenty20 given a new lease of life to a host of young and aging cricketers, it has encouraged new audiences and countries about the game of cricket.
The man who revolutionised the modern day game with his incredible abilities on a cricket field, Jonty Rhodes is all for T20 cricket. He opines the format has brought in new dimensions to players’ skill-sets, besides picking up the intensity of a sport that was dying a slow death until a couple of Englishmen came to the party by devising T20.
“It has truly picked up the intensity levels of a cricketer. His skills have improved to the fullest, there are new skills that a player is discovering by each, passing day. It is wonderful for the sport,” the legendary Jonathan Rhodes told cricketnirvana.com
 South Africa's legendary cricketer Jonty Rhodes reckons that cricket is finally a sport for the athletes © AFP |
The 39-year old who played 52 Tests and 245 ODIs for South Afirca, reckons that Twenty20 is like a ‘savior’ for the sport which was dying a slow death because of authorities’ failed efforts to globalise it with existing formats like Test and ODI.
“I am a firm believer that he game of cricket would have lost the fan base if it continued the way it did over the last two decades. Sure you had a few sides that were competitive and Test cricket has been exhiliarting over the last 12 months but it wasn’t enough to pack the stadiums like the IPL games have.”
Rhodes argues with purists who have been conclusive that the pressures of Twenty20 cricket are no where close to Tests or ODIs. In fact he believes the weight has increased.
“Each and every player on that field is under so much pressure. The balls are flying around, so are the fielders, the energy levels are amazing and the bowlers are constantly trying to fox the batsmen with variations and new skills and deliveries that they have discovered, thanks to this incredible format.”
 Jonty feels players are discovering new skills by each passing day because of the fast-paced game © AFP |
“Cricket is finally a sport for athletes. The role of a fielder has become just as important as that of a batsman or a bowler; which tells me that we are heading in the right direction.”
Sure, Twenty20 has attracted new fans but is it set to lose some because of Test cricket’s slow death?
“Firstly, Test cricket is not dying. It is very healthy and alive. It will remain confined to just a few countries and it will be played for pride, purely for culture, history and pride.”
But what about those who have refused to take Twenty20s seriously?
“It is not a tragedy I think. Those people who have to watch and each and every ball of a five-day Test may have to suffer in the long run because the number of Tests will reduce. But again that depends on people’s parameters. I think a true sports lover will watch any format as long as the cricket is exciting. It’s time we make way for the evolution.”
