‘T20 cricket has killed talent’ – Arjuna Ranatunga voices concern over decline of batting skills in subcontinent

Arjuna Ranatunga

Former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga has shared his thoughts on the growing influence of T20 cricket, claiming the shortest format has adversely affected the development of batting talent across the subcontinent.

Ahead of India’s upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka in August, the 1996 World Cup-winning skipper expressed concern over the changing nature of the game, stating that the increasing emphasis on power-hitting has come at the expense of the technique required for success in red-ball cricket.

The legendary Sri Lankan captain blamed the rise of franchise cricket and the T20 format for altering the priorities of modern-day cricketers. According to him, players from countries like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are no longer developing the technical skills that once defined batting in the subcontinent.

“T20 cricket has, in many ways, killed the talent and skills of players across the region—India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, everyone,” Ranatunga told The Hindu, pinning the blame squarely on the shortest format.

The former Sri Lanka captain also believes the growing demand for aggressive batting has significantly changed the way players approach the game.

“Today it’s all about power-hitting because that’s what people want,” the World Cup-winning captain explained. Ranatunga further stated that batters with the technical excellence of Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar are becoming increasingly rare.

He also expressed disappointment over what he perceives as a shift in players’ commitment, claiming that modern cricketers often prioritise franchise commitments over representing their national teams.

The former skipper remarked that players from his era were willing to play through injuries for their country, whereas many now choose to rest for franchise tournaments.

Despite his criticism of modern cricket, Ranatunga had words of encouragement for India’s teenage batting sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He advised everyone to avoid placing unnecessary expectations on the youngster and allow him to develop naturally.

“Most importantly, let him be a child. He’s still a kid,” he said, urging patience and care for the 15-year-old.

Vaibhav recently made his much-anticipated debut for India when he was named in the playing XI for the second T20I against England on July 04.