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Dubai: Sohail Tanvir, one of the stars of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has come out strongly in support of Test cricket.
"Proving yourself as a player in Tests is what really counts. The one-day version and the Twenty-20 craze is just chill and fun," Tanvir told Gulf News.
The 23-year-old all-rounder was all the rage when he held his poise and calm to score the winning run and lead the Rajasthan Royals to victory in the final of the IPL last month.
Tanvir is on a short visit to the UAE where he will be a guest on the 'Nadia Khan Show' on Dubai-based Geo TV on Friday.
Speaking enthusiastically about the game and the role of Test cricket Tanvir continued: "If if you are ranked as a player, it is solely based on your performance in Test cricket.
"The other versions are meant to entertain the crowds who come to watch sixes, boundaries, catches and wickets. It's all a part of the entertainment in cricket.
"You are out there for a few hours and you get to enjoy all aspects of the game in a limited time frame," he said.
"The real thing of course is Test cricket."
Tanvir made his Test debut against India in November last year, scoring 17 runs and taking five wickets in the two matches he played.
Playing under pressure
"I enjoy playing against India due to the pressure on the players all the time. It is really tough on the players," Tanvir stated.
With just two Tests under his belt, Tanvir is eagerly looking forward to the series against India this winter.
"So far, I have done well in the one-dayers and the T-20 version of the game. Unfortunately, I did not get too many chances in Tests. The series against India will be a good chance to prove what I am capable of in that form of cricket," Tanvir stated.
"I am comfortable in all forms of the game, but it is Test cricket that I would love to prove myself now."
Tanvir also played in the final of the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa where India beat Pakistan by five runs.
High price: Feeling like a million
Riding on his success in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistani cricketer Sohail Tanvir feels he is worth more than a million.
"I have two or three very lucrative offers from other IPL franchises, but there is time for me to make a decision on which team offer I will take up for next year," Tanvir told Gulf News.
Though he was picked up for just $100,000 by the Rajasthan Royals, Tanvir went on to prove his worth by becoming the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 22 scalps from 11 matches to walk away with the IPL's 'Purple Cap'.
"I know I am worth much more. And based on my performances, I think I can easily get a million dollars, if not more," Tanvir stated.
"Now cricket is no longer about big names like it was a decade before. It is about how you perform each time you are out on the field."
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