Test Cricket is considered to be the pinnacle. In this day and age of fast paced action, there is still space and worth given to the longer version. Any cricketer around the world still hold Test Cricket to be the ultimate format, a format that demads perseverance and temperament.
There are players who are cut-out for Twenty20, they play with unfiltered freedom and introduce thrill into the game. However, there have been players, and more specifically batsmen who are ‘labelled’ Test cricketers because of their stoic approach and astute defence.
These players have been equally successful in the shortest version of the game and have proven to be invaluable for their respective teams.
We take a look at 5 such players who were branded Test specialists but have been equally succesful in the Indian Premier League.
1.) Rahul Dravid
There have few better players who are technically correct and yet have dominated all the three different formats of the game. Rahul Dravid who was nicknamed ‘ Wall’ for his dead defense and water-tight technique took time to adapt to the fast paced Twenty20.
Once he got comfortable in the format, he blossomed and became the rock at the top of the order for his two teams. He started off with the Royal Challengers Bangalore and then moved to Rajasthan Royals. He led Rajasthan with dignity and did no harm to his reputation with the bat as well.
Few can forget his 3 consecutive sixes off the bowling of Samit Patel in his only T20 International against England. His record in the format is a testament to his adapting skills and hard work. In 109 T20 matches, he scored 2586 runs at a healty average of 27.51 and an impressive strike rate of 113.87.
2.) Jacques Kallis
Arguably the greatest all-rounder to have played the game, Jacques Kallis has left an indelible imprint, so much so that South Africa is still grappling to find an appropriate replacement.
His Test numbers are mind boggling both with the bat and the ball, but there was always doubt over his credentials in the T20 version. However, Kallis being Kallis quietly dispelled all the notions and established himself as the mainstay with the bat for which ever team he played.
He takes his time at the beginning of the innings and then accelerates toward the end. He has been instrumental in the dominance of Kolkata Knight Riders as he has been a epitome of consistency at the top of the order.
He has played as many as 176 T20 matches in which he has ammassed 4416 runs with an average of 30.88 and a more than handy strike rate of 112.45. Surely a player for all ages.
3.) Mahela Jayawardena
The aesthetically pleasing batsman from Sri Lanka was a crucial member in the Test team. However, he never had the power game that could evoke any optimism as far his prowess in T20 was concerned.
Jayawardene proved to people all around that you do not bulging muscles to be successful in this format. He sharp cricketing mind and precise timing and placement has been a joy to watch and has convinced people of his abilties.
He has been associated with the IPL since his inception, and has always been a pivotal part of the different teams he has represented. He is perhaps the most tactically sharp mind in cricket, and hence has been the captain of many different teams.
His T20 numbers are quite staggering. In 198 matches, Jayawardene has scored 4797 runs at an average of 28.72 and a very impressive strike rate of 129.85.
4.) Anil Kumble
There has no bowler in India who has contibuted more than Anil Kumble in winning test matches. He is without a doubt the greatest ever match winner as far as bowlers are concerned.
His fastish leg break was lethal on wearing surfaces and was a complete test bowler. But then there was always doubts whether he could extend his performances to the shortest version of the game.
Kumble is a hard trier and never gives up. His unnerving accuracy made him tough to hit for runs in T20, and his inspirational leadership of the Royal Challengers Bangalore got them through to the finals of the second season of the Indian Premier League in 2009 after a forgettable first season.
In 54 matches in the IPL, Kumble snapped up 57 wickets at an average of 24.36 and a superlative economy of 6.69. and has the best figures of 5 runs for 5 wickets. Beat that!
5.) Kumar Sangakkara
Sangakkara has had a career very similar to his good friend Mahela Jayawardene. Just like Mahela, Sangakkara was labeled a test specialist and was not given too much due in the shortest format.
However, over the years Sangakkara has muted every naysayer along the way as he conquered different records along the way. He is elegant and wonderful to watch, and now he has also added power game into his armoury that has made him a complete player in all the formats. Sangakkara has also captained the now defunct Deccan Chargers and also the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and enthralled the audience with his prowess.
He has played 186 matches in T20 and has accumulated 4797 runs at an average of 29.61 and strike rate of 125.24. Grace certainly met power in his case.
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