When Chappell-gate happened, I had commented that Indian Cricket is in safe hands because nobody wants to kill the goose that lays golden eggs. What I didnt anticipate was that people would conduct genetic experiments on the poor goose, and force it to lay more eggs more frequently until it became a mess.
The ODI & T20 overdose in the BCCI itinerary is raking in the monies, but it is alienating the true cricket lovers. And no, Test series against Bangladesh dont count. Watching the highlights of today's play wouldnt've pleased a cricket lover. All the Indian batsmen struggled against the short ball. Sehwag & Gambhir perished to it, and Dravid fractured his jaw. I dont expect Yuvraj to do any better tomorrow.
Why is all this relevant? Because the greatest sporting moments transpire when two champions compete. And that is what an enthusiast wants to watch, whether its on television or in the stadium. At the moment, Test cricket is the truest test of a batsman's abilities, and blooding our players in this format is currently the best way to distinguish the champions from the journeymen. Which will ensure that the other "masala" formats too preserve their entertainment quotient.
By not playing enough Test Cricket ( or playing against the minnows ), the administration might end up diluting the quality of the other formats too, eventually losing viewership and hence revenue. BCCI has clout due to the revenues it generates. The time is right to convert some of that financial clout to true leadership. For long-term greed, if not out of a genuine concern for the game.
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