With the Indian Premier League (IPL) being blamed for India’s humiliating Tests series loss in England, Unmukt Chand, skipper of the 2012 U-19 World Cup winning team, feels that Twenty20 just remains a platform but playing Tests still remains the dream of every young cricketer.
The 21-year-old Delhi cricketer, who also plays for Rajasthan Royals, feels that it is very difficult to take out the Test cricketer from the ‘blood of every aspiring cricketer”.
Unmukt said though all the three formats of the game are equally important, Test cricket remains the priority for every cricketer.
“We have all the three formats. If you look at the domestic calendar, we have a long Ranji Trophy season and then you have the ODIs and the Twenty20s. So much importance is given to the Ranji Trophy that you can’t take out Test cricket from any player’s blood. It is there in our blood very much,” said Unmukt on the sidelines of a promotional event organised by South Australia.
“All three formats are equally important. If certain players are doing well in certain formats, it doesn’t give the real answers. If you look at players like Sachin Tendulkar and other greats of the game, they have excelled in all the three formats. So equal importance is given to all the three formats. Twenty20 is just an extra opportunity that you get to showcase your talent till the time you play for the country,” said Unmukt.
The Delhi cricketer said it was wrong to blame the IPL for the downfall of the Test team.
“With IPL, many of the young players got a chance to interact with the top internationals of the world. This was something that was impossible in the past if you had not played for the country. So this experience is very important for every cricketer in building your overall personality and cricketing skills. I have gained a lot being part of Rajasthan Royals and before that with Delhi Daredevils,” he said.
Asked what he learnt for the team’s dismal’s show in England, Unmukt said: “Being a cricketer myself, I know there will be tough times. This team has done so well in the past. I think it is all about confidence. Since the players have not done well in the last couple of matches it plays a lot on their mind. They have to sort it out in their mind. All of them have played so much of cricket. They all know what needs to be done. This is not rocket science that needs to be applied. I feel that for every cricketer, mental balance is very important.”
Unmukt said had he been in a similar situation he would have recollected his good performances in the past to get back his confidence.
“Well, this happens when you get out cheaply in a couple of matches. You lose a bit of confidence. The most important thing is to get back to the basics and have the self-belief that you have the ability to come back. Just try to remember the good times and replicate those things again,” said Unmukt.
