New Delhi: Virat Kohli is of the opinion that Test cricket should not be ‘tinkered’ with and he does not see it getting compressed to four days, as the ICC mulls ways to prop up the sport’s traditional format.
“I cannot explain to you the job satisfaction that you get when you do well in Test cricket, because you know how demanding it is,” Kohli was quoted as saying by the latest edition of the cricket magazine ‘Wisden’.
“It’s the most beautiful format of the game. I don’t think it’s going to go anywhere. I don’t even see it getting compressed to four days,” added the Indian skipper.
Asked if he looks at the proposed four-day Test matches as a backward step, India’s batting mainstay said, “Definitely. It should not be tinkered with.”
The increasing number of T20 leagues around the world has posed a threat to the traditional five-day format, with the ODIs close to facing an existential crisis.
“In a few countries, yes the shorter formats are a problem. It all depends on the awareness of people who watch the game. If you take South Africa or Australia or England, they have big crowds for Tests because people understand the sport,” Kohli pointed out.
It’s literally living life over five days. There are so many ups and downs and even when you’ve done well you’ve got to keep coming back and doing it all over again. I cannot explain to you the job satisfaction you get when you do well in Test cricket, because you know how demanding it is,” added Kohli.
The ICC will introduce a nine-team two-year Test World Championships in 2019. Kohli is in favour of it.
“I think it (Test championships) is going to give a huge push to Test cricket. It will make every series more competitive. I am looking forward to it,” Kohli asserted.
The prolific scorer said predecessor Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the only captain he has picked up aspects of leadership from.