Cricket

Legendary Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan has expressed deep concern about the future of Test cricket, citing the dwindling viewership and the shift towards shorter formats. Muralitharan, who holds the record for the most wickets taken by any bowler in Test history with 800, believes that his record is unlikely to be broken anytime soon due to the lack of consistency among modern-day bowlers.Muralitharan's concerns stem from the fact that cricketers nowadays prioritize shorter formats such as T20s and ODIs, which offer instant gratification and financial rewards. This focus on short-form cricket has led to a decline in the development of bowlers who can maintain the stamina and consistency required to succeed in Test cricket."It's very hard (for someone to surpass 800 Test wickets), because emphasis has shifted to short-form cricket," Muralitharan said. "Also, we played for 20 years. Careers are shorter now."The closest bowlers to Muralitharan's record are Australian spinner Nathan Lyon (530 wickets) and Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (516). However, both Lyon and Ashwin are in their late 30s and are unlikely to reach Muralitharan's total before they retire.Muralitharan also pointed out that the lack of experience among young bowlers is a major factor contributing to the decline of Test cricket. "Consistency is the problem," he said. "It's not about how good they are, because they all are talented. The only thing is how can they become experienced? Nowadays, it's difficult. There are too many tournaments and things in their heads."Muralitharan's concerns are echoed by many cricket experts who believe that the future of Test cricket is uncertain. The decline in viewership and the lack of young bowlers with the necessary skills and experience are major challenges that need to be addressed if Test cricket is to survive.

Yuzvendra Chahal Concedes Most Sixes in IPL History, Underscoring T20 Cricket's Relentless PressureYuzvendra Chahal, the Indian Premier League's (IPL) leading wicket-taker, has etched his name in an unwanted record book. During Qualifier 2 of IPL 2024 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chahal conceded three sixes, bringing his career tally to a staggering 224. This makes him the bowler with the most sixes hit off his bowling in IPL history.Chahal's record highlights the relentless pressure faced by bowlers in the high-stakes environment of T20 cricket. Despite his impressive wicket-taking ability, Chahal has often found himself on the receiving end of some ferocious hitting. However, his resilience and endurance in the face of such adversity are a testament to his skill and determination.Close behind Chahal is Piyush Chawla, another seasoned IPL campaigner, with 222 sixes conceded. Chawla's wily leg-spin and ability to turn the ball sharply have made him a consistent performer over the years. Ravindra Jadeja, with 206 sixes conceded, brings a unique dimension to this list. Known for his all-round capabilities, Jadeja's left-arm spin and pinpoint accuracy have made him a mainstay in various IPL franchises.Ravichandran Ashwin, another prominent figure in Indian cricket, has conceded 202 sixes in the IPL. Ashwin's off-spin and his propensity to experiment with different bowling variations have made him a formidable opponent.Despite being on the receiving end of some ferocious hitting, these bowlers have displayed remarkable perseverance and skill. Their records highlight not just the challenges of T20 cricket, but also the incredible talent and determination required to succeed at the highest level.