With the rise in T20Is and franchise cricket, there has been a raging debate over the longevity of the Test format. However, the traditional format of the sport continues to thrive despite the rapid growth of T20Is across the globe.
While the credit goes to players, who enjoys playing the red-ball format and are its biggest advocate, West Indies great Vivian Richards expressed it is former India opener Virender Sehwag, who revived it.
Richards along with Brian Lara were present at the stands of Arun Jaitley Stadium, where the current Test between India and West Indies is underway. It was there he conveyed the same to Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) Director Shyam Sharma as reported by News24.
“When I watched Sehwag bat, I saw a reflection of myself. I found him even more dangerous than Shahid Afridi and Adam Gilchrist,” Richards told DDCA Director.
“Test cricket was fading, but Sehwag revived the format. The kind of excitement he brought to the game is one of the reasons 15,000 to 20,000 fans are turning up even today to watch a weakened West Indies team — that’s Sehwag’s legacy,” he added.
Taking note of the kind words, Sehwag penned a beautiful message on X and expressed gratitude at the Windies legend. "Humbled, Sir @ivivianrichards (praying hands emoji) You made bowlers fear batsmen — I just kept the tradition alive for the next generation. Test cricket will never die as long as there’s joy in attacking it!" - he wrote.
Sehwag, who was regarded as one of the most fiercest custodians in any format, represented India in 104 Tests, in which he amassed 8586 runs from 180 innings. He was the first Indian to notch a triple hundred in Tests and is only from the country to achieve the feat twice. Karun Nair is the only other Indian to have notched the feat.
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