‘Love how teams are playing Tests now’: MS Dhoni appreciates ‘bazball’ approach
New Delhi: Former India captain MS Dhoni has commended the bold, result-driven philosophy known as “Bazball” that teams are adopting in modern Test cricket. Named after current England captain Brendon McCullum, this approach encourages players to take risks and implement daring strategies aimed at securing victories rather than simply playing for draws.
Dhoni, recognized for his sharp cricketing insight and composed presence on the field, highlighted the transformation of Test cricket to align with the current era of aggression and favorable outcomes. “You can give cricket any term that you want to,” Dhoni said. “What we have seen is cricket has evolved. The way people are playing cricket is very different. There was a time when in ODIs something was considered a safe score; now that score is not safe in T20s too.”
Reflecting on his experience from playing 90 Test matches for India, Dhoni shared that he occasionally struggled to stay motivated during games that appeared likely to end in a draw. “For me, the most difficult time during a Test match was the fifth day—when you knew that 100% it is going to be a draw,” he noted. “I would still need to keep for nearly 2.5 sessions, and that was the most tiring part. You see there is no result happening; you are just going through the motions.”
For Dhoni, traditional Test cricket often entailed long hours of physical and mental strain without any tangible rewards, a sentiment echoed by many players who grasp the intensity of a five-day match. His support for the aggressive approach arises from a wish to keep fans engaged and ensure that the outcome reflects the players’ efforts, providing a more dynamic viewing experience.
Dhoni has consistently emphasized the importance of entertainment in cricket, asserting that this new approach effectively tackles the persistent problem of inconclusive results in Test matches. “Imagine telling someone who doesn’t know much about cricket: we play over five days, and after all that, we don’t get a result. That’s not nice for the game,” he remarked. He believes that the excitement of competitive play, coupled with the challenge of turning a match around within four days or even after a weather interruption, showcases the “beauty of Test cricket.”
The “Bazball” approach has not only increased the number of results but has also injected new life into Test matches, attracting fans who might otherwise prefer the high-octane excitement of limited-overs cricket. “Even if we are playing only four days of cricket and one day gets washed out, still you get a result – that’s the beauty of Test cricket, and that’s how it should stay,” he emphasized.