IPL auction distracted U-19 World Cup squad: Vengsarkar

After Rahul Dravid called for more emphasis on Tests, Dilip Vengsarkar tells MiD DAY that he believed India's U-19 players were distracted by the IPL auction during the world cup in NZ

After Rahul Dravid called for more emphasis on Tests, Dilip Vengsarkar tells MiDu00a0DAY that he believed India's U-19 players were distracted by theu00a0IPL auction during the world cup in NZ

The Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman, Ganguly, Kumble-era may go down as the most successful one in India's Test cricket history. The way India defended their No 1 Test ranking against South Africa is the latest among the many heroic triumphs pulled off during this period.

Dilip Vengsarkar

Despite this, it's not Test cricket that is on the minds of youngsters. GenNext is smitten by the glamour and big cash of Twenty20 cricket. Test icon Dravid stressed on the harsh reality during Cricinfo's fortnightly discussion show 'Time Out'.

Test stalwart Dilip Vengsarkar could not agree more with this view. The Indian Premier League has its positives but it is certainly not the right event for young, impressionable minds, felt the former India captain and chairman of selectors.

In a chilling example of IPL's negative effects, Vengsarkar said: "Even during the under-19 World Cup, the Indian boys had the IPL auction on their minds. How could they concentrate on the World Cup? This format of the gameu00a0 is the bane of world cricket.

"It is definitely a matter of concern." Vengsarkar was not at the under-19 World Cup in New Zealand but as Mumbai Cricket Association's vice-president, he had his finger on the pulse. Only recently, India's under-19 coach Chandrakant Pandit told MiD DAY that the under-19 World Cuppers lost their focus after easy wins over Afghanistan and Hong Kong. The IPL auction (January 19) was held bang in the middle of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, two days before India's big game against England. Three U-19 players got IPL contracts - Ashok Menaria (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Harmeet Singh (Deccan Chargers) and Harshal Patel (Mumbai Indians).

It's interesting to note that all three did little of note in the rest of the tournament. India lost to England by 31 runs and two days later, they were beaten by Pakistan.

Dravid fears the youngsters don't have the fierce passion of their seniors who would do whatever it takes to do well in Test cricket.

"I think they (youngsters) say the right thing. They talk the talk, there's no doubt about it. But there is no all-consuming desperation for them like it was for myself or cricketers of my generation to do well in Test cricket," Dravid said.

Erstwhile Test player, Madan Lal said the balance of the game has been affected by Twenty20 cricket. "Money plays a big part and most players are happy playing the IPL and ODIs. They are making more money by playing for four hours than what they would after playing for 20 days. I have seen many youngsters who are not bothered about missing Ranji matches. The attitude is nahin khelnge to kya farak padta hai? (If we don't play how will it matter?).

According to Dravid, things would get only worse if Test cricket was not restored to its health.

"I'm not even worried about the Rainas and the Rohit Sharmas today; they've grown up in an era when Test cricket was important. But I wonder what a 14-15-16-year old today is thinking.

" I wonder what's going to happen five years ahead and that's why it's important to play more Test matches," Dravid explained.

Vengsarkar felt the IPL and Twenty20 cricket had satiated the appetite of the younger players. "When they are earning crores without playing a single Test match where will they get the motivation for Test cricket?

"In fact, quite a few Test cricketers have retired to play Twenty20 cricket. Test is tough cricket, there is a big difference in bowling four overs and 20 overs in a day. Test cricket requires a lot of physical and mental strength," said Vengsarkar, a veteran of 116 Tests.