Former Australia captain Steve Waugh encouraged Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to turn up for domestic matches, not only to keep pace with international cricket but also to help youngsters get ready for the higher levels of the game. Speaking exclusively to RevSportz, the 1999 World Cup-winning captain explained why it is important for Kohli and Rohit to play domestic cricket while also lavishing praise on Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill. He also shared his views on the way modern-day T20 cricket is evolving.
Kohli and Rohit became the cynosure of all eyes when they returned to international cricket after a seven-month break to feature in the recently concluded three-match ODI series. While Rohit secured the Player of the Series award with a century and half century to his name, Kohli ended the series on a high, hitting an unbeaten half century, after registering two consecutive ducks.
“It is a bit of a different scenario. It would take a different mindset. But those guys are seasoned professionals and all-time great players. So they’ll be able to adapt and modify their game situation. You saw in Sydney how well they played. They took control of the match and won it for India. So they’re still more than capable,” Waugh, who was at the Gold Coast Stadium to promote the city’s tourism, told Revsportz when asked about whether the iconic Indian duo should turn up for domestic games.
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“I guess the question is whether they have the hunger to keep training and preparing. That’s the hard bit. Playing the game is actually easy. It’s just preparation. So if they can tick those boxes and continue to play. But if they’re struggling to get motivation for training, then it’s a sign that you probably shouldn’t be there.”
Australian players partake in Sheffield Shield matches to prepare for a major series. In the build-up to the Ashes, plenty of members from the Australian Test squad are using domestic cricket to fine-tune their preparations for the five-Test series against England.
“Firstly, the Australian players don’t play a lot of Sheffield Shield cricket in Australia either. They play occasionally. I think they should play more,” Waugh said. “In India, players should play the Ranji Trophy more. Not for the fact that it’s a workload. It’s more keeping the cricket strong and giving encouragement to younger players and getting them prepared for the next level. So when they play, all of a sudden the competition is lifted. The standards get higher.
“So they have a responsibility to go back and play at that domestic level as well. And you’re right. If they’re playing for their country, then playing a couple of games for their states is not going to impact them too much. So I’d encourage them to do that.”
With India zeroing on Shubman Gill as the next leader of the pack, handing him the Test and ODI captaincy while naming him the vice-captain of the T20I side, the focus remains on the 26-year-old. Gill was exceptional in England, amassing a staggering 754 runs in 10 innings. However, runs in white-ball cricket have dried up a bit for the talented right-hander. In the Asia Cup, Gill wasn’t at his best. And he hasn’t exactly been among the runs in the ongoing white-ball games against Australia . When asked about his opinion on Gill, his batting form and leadership challenges, Waugh was of high praise for Gill.
“He (Gill) did really well in England. Outstanding. I think at three or four centuries in England, I watched him play exceptionally well. Led the team well. I mean, that’s a great result having a tight series in England.
First up for an Indian captain with those legends of the game departing, I think he did exceptionally well. He is a fantastic player,” Waugh said before adding, “I think anyone’s form is going to be up and down when you’re playing three formats. It’s very hard to adjust and change and be successful all the time. I think he’s done really well. And he’s a class player. He’s going to be a long-term player for India. So there’s no doubt about him, his position in the team. And captaincy, he is still learning the role, what his style is. The players are learning about how he goes about it. But so far, he’s done well.”
With modern-day T20 cricket evolving every day, Waugh straightaway expressed his love for the format and what excites him the most about the shortest version of the sport.
“I would love to have played T20 for sure. It’s exciting. Lots of action. You can improvise, have fun. You can invent different things. I was always big on that because I was the first guy to bowl a slower ball out of the back of the hand. So I would have liked to have played T20, Waugh said. “It’s good to watch. I’m still a Test match fan, number one. But I do enjoy watching T20. And I’m just constantly amazed at how far the guys can hit the ball. The variations from the bowlers. So it’s a game you’ve got to improvise and think on your feet. And it takes a lot of skill as well.,
Post retirement, Waugh has spent a lot of time in India, especially Kolkata for his love for photography and charity. The former Aussie skipper is connected with Kolkata through his philanthropic endeavours via the Udayan children’s home in the City of Joy.
” I have had many great moments in Kolkata. It’s a special city. Winning the 1987 World Cup final was fantastic. Playing that famous Test in 2001. Even though we lost, it was great for cricket. And then obviously being involved in Udayan, the charity I’m involved with. So many special memories from Kolkata. Lots of friends there. Wish everyone well,” he concluded.
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