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#4 KXIP coach Kumble feels the current generation of players want five-day Tests to stay

Anil Kumble wants domestic players to focus more on Ranji Trophy

Head coach of IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab, Anil Kumble has stated that the current crop of Indian players advocate the idea of going with the traditional five-day format for Test cricket rather than the proposed four-day Tests.

Reiterating the statements of Indian captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri, Kumble stated that domestic cricketers preferred the grind of the longest format as it challenges a player completely.

He also spoke about the importance of good performances in the Ranji Trophy in the lives of domestic cricketers as a criterion for selection in the national side. As per Kumble, Ranji Trophy should be held as a priority by state players rather than being lured in by the domestic cash-rich leagues all around the globe.

“ I think everybody wants to play Test cricket, that’s very clear. The generation of cricketers certainly want five-day cricket and that’s something very obvious.”

“There is some challenge in keeping everyone focused and pushed towards playing domestic competition especially the Ranji Trophy.”

“Very few players are common to formats and it’s getting lesser and lesser. But I don’t think there is any dearth of people wanting to play the longer format. I think everybody wants to, they realize that’s the biggest challenge and I’m sure that’s going to be the case for a long time.”

Full article: Kings XI Punjab head coach Anil Kumble feels current generation of players wants five-day Test format to stay