IPL 2016: Suresh Raina has an interesting take on the battle between Tests and T20s

There is a constant fear that T20s might eventually lure people away from Test cricket which has been the traditional format of the sport. It is more so in a country like India where the IPL manages to draw crowds that exceed those in the longer formats.

Gujarat Lions captain and senior limited-overs batsman Suresh Raina has expressed a unique analogy to the entire situation. Speaking to Times of India, the 29-year old opened up about the contrasting natures of each format.

Raina argued, “This depends on the person's perception. I can't ask my friend or son or anyone's son to play a particular format. If you want to eat at a particular restaurant, then you will eat over there only. I can't say don't eat here or there. It depends on a person's choice.

He added, “When you are living in a democratic country, you can do whatever you want to do as long as it makes you happy. What people say or think does not bother me. That is a waste of time. What matters is performing well in the format you are playing. Doing well in IPL is my current focus.”

However, the left-hander still has not given up on his Test career. Raina enthused, “Test cricket is obviously important. We have our first-class and Test season later on in the year. To do well there, I will also be trying for a county stint after my wife's delivery. Cricket is also about entertainment but I have always believed in Test cricket.”

On his first stint as captain in the cash-rich tournament, the southpaw quipped, “I have got this responsibility. I have to perform for my players. I have played with most of my players at Chennai Super Kings. It helps to have a set combination if the players respond to the captain. I have never missed even an optional practice session so I can give my players more time.”

The Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer also spoke about the promising players who have captured his attention in the IPL. Raina affirmed, “Shreyas Iyer is one. Jasprit Bumrah was always Team India material. Krunal Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav are a few others. IPL helps a lot. It teaches a lot – way of living, way of training, how to look after your body, what to eat, when to sleep. It even teaches man-management skills.”