Former India captain and chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar highlighted the importance of Test cricket for youngsters. He stated that if one can become a good Test player, he can become a good player in all three formats.

Even after the huge popularity of T20 leagues across the world, Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the game. The longer format of the game tests the players from the inside out as apart from their bat and ball skills, the character of the players is also tested.

Test cricket is arguably the best format of the game as it keeps both batsmen and bowlers in the game. While it involves sixes and fours in the white-ball format, red-ball cricket tests the skills of the players as defending is the need of the hour and scoring runs is quite difficult.

Test cricket remains the top priority for some great players of the game – Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, Joe Root and others. It’s fair to say that it’s thanks to them that the longer format of the game lives on, as they give it their all and love to turn up dressed in white.

Former India coach Dilip Vengsarkar spoke about the importance of Test cricket and said that people are impressed by the success of the IPL. He urged young players to take up Test cricket as it will help them win matches. Speaking at an event to launch cricket coach Jwala Singh’s book, titled Pathway to Cricketing Excellence and Beyond, he explained:

“Parents are overwhelmed by the success of the IPL, its teams and players. Bowlers also have an important role to play not only in the IPL but also in Test cricket, they can be match winners. Try playing cricket for your country, if you are a good Test cricketer, you can play other formats of the game.

You will be graded only on what you have done for the country in Test cricket – Dilip Vengsarkar

Dilip Vengsarkar further added that the young players will only be remembered for what they will do for their country in Test cricket. He admitted that the Indian Premier League is good in terms of entertainment and finances, but the longer game format is final. Speaking about the same, he explained:

“You will be graded only on what you have done for the country in Test cricket. IPL is a good format, it is good entertainment and it also fulfills the finances which is also very important but Test cricket is the last”.

The Indian cricket team has been blessed with quite a few players who have been playing Test cricket with great interest. Young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubham Gill and others are considered the future. Even though they are making huge amounts of money from IPL, they are interested in keeping Test cricket first.