New Delhi: Former Indian team fast bowler Javagal Srinath said that the attitude or purpose of the private cricket academy is not right. He also said that cricket should not be sold, but it has to be taught. Srinath also talked about the importance of Ranji Trophy and described it as the key to the success of Test cricket. The former fast bowler believes that Test cricket is the way forward if players want to connect better with the game.

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Srinath said that then the focus used to be on Test cricket

When asked whether the attitude of the players towards cricket has changed, Javagal Srinath said that a lot has changed since my time till now. Srinath said that then the focus used to be on Test cricket. He believes that guidance is needed to explain the importance of the longer format.

A player must be prepared to play longer formats to rise to this level

Srinath told the Times of India, “Ranji Trophy is the initial attempt for Test cricket and to rise to this level, a player must be eager to play in the longer format. If you want to connect better with the game, then the longer format is the way forward. We were lucky because our target was only Test cricket, not even ODIs. Now it is different because IPL is very challenging.

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Srinath further said, ‘Guidance is needed to understand the importance and depth of red ball cricket. A good minded red ball cricketer can focus his attention in any format. The attitude or purpose of some academies is not right. We should be careful about them. I have no problem with private academy, but cricket should not be sold. It has to be taught.’ Srinath was one of the most prolific fast bowlers of India, who was known as Mysore Express.

Srinath made his international debut in 1991 and played 67 Tests and 229 ODIs. He has taken a total of 551 wickets. He was a member of the Indian team that reached the 2003 World Cup final. Srinath has also done wonders in Test cricket by taking more than 1000 runs and more than 100 wickets.