Junior cricketers should avoid T20 cricket: Kartik

Former test cricketer Murali Kartik today advised the junior cricketers to stay away from T-20 cricket until they become mature in the longer version of the game. According to Kartik, the pattern of T20 cricket is such that it can shatter the confidence of budding cricketers which can have an negative impact on their careers.

Kartik was in the city in connection with the inaugural function of the All India T-20 Santosh Roy Cricket Tournament which got under way at the Nehru Stadium on Sunday. Talking to the mediapersons, Kartik, who is the member of Kolkata Knight Riders, strongly recommended that young cricketers concentrate on the longer version of the game rather than play in T20 cricket. Replying to a query the spinner said, “ T20 cricket is all about pressure. In every match, bowlers are always at the receiving end. On the other hand, batsmen hardly get any chances to settle down at the pitch. So I feel a young cricketer should play the longer version of the game atleast four to five years during his initial playing days before he makes an entry in T-20s.”

It may be mentioned here that Murali, who played eight test for India and 37 one-day international matches, is now a member of the Kolkata Knight Riders. Though he had performed consistently in the domestic tournament but his seat never got cemented in Team India. Murali admitted that this frustrates him. My job is to play and I have left the rest of the things on the selectors.”

Meanwhile, the left-arm orthodox spinner on Sunday said that he will promote talented players in the State team. Replying to a query Kartik said, “Any State, including Asom, should encourage the budding talent and players be given a chance to play for the State side.” He also felt that there is no advantage in playing outstation players who are in their fag end of their career. It would be much better for the State team if the State association allow budding talents to play for the State side. THE SENTINEL