Greg Chappell Feels Test Cricket Will Die If India Gives It Up

Amid the on-going novel coronavirus pandemic, major sporting events across the globe are either getting called-off or postponed. Even the cricketing world has suffered a huge blow with its major money-spinning tournament the Indian Premier League (IPL) getting postponed indefinitely and doubts hovering over the ICC T20 World Cup.

Meanwhile, former team India coach and Australian legend Greg Chappell is worried that Test cricket will take a massive hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also believes that India holds the key to resurrect Test cricket and it is because of the money factor.

During an interactive session on Facebook, Chappell said, “Test cricket will die the day India gives it up. I cannot see countries other than India, Australia and England investing in young cricketers to take up Test cricket.”

He also said that he has nothing to worry about T20 cricket as it is easier to sell to the public whereas he stated that for Tests the money issue is going to be massive. The former Aussie player said, “I have nothing against T20 cricket. It is easier to sell to the public. For Tests, the monetary issue is going to be massive.” He further added, “India captain Virat Kohli calls Test matches the ultimate cricket, so there is hope that it will survive.”

Greg’s two-year tenure with team India as Head Coach was thunderous. Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar in his book ‘Playing it My Way’ had even called  Chappell a ringmaster who imposed ideas on players without being concerned about whether they felt comfortable about them or not.

For the unversed, before Greg Chappell became India’s Head Coach they were poor chasers. In the year he was appointed, team India went on to win 17 successive matches chasing the target. It was during his tenure, that India won a Test series in the Caribbean after 35-years in the year 2006.

Not only that but India also registered its first Test victory in South Africa in the same year.