'I would have loved to hit sixes like Sehwag'

Dubai: During his playing days, Sunil Gavaskar would not have dreamt of attempting to play the kind of shots being played by the batsmen in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). He was taught the game by coaches who believed that hitting in the air was nothing but irresponsible batting.

Gavaskar has changed with the time. "As a cricketer, when you finish your career, a lot of things will remain unfulfilled. When the new generation does those things you will feel really proud," Gavaskar told Gulf News.

About the ongoing transition of cricket and the impact of IPL, Gavaskar said: "When I see Virender Sehwag cut a ball over third man for a six, I feel I too would have loved to do that and should have done that, but I never did."

Gavaskar, who earned the nick name 'Little Master', was a perfectionist to the core who possessed the best copy-book shots in his armoury. He went on to break almost all batting records.

Gavaskar does not believe that IPL can turn harmful or destroy the traditional form of the game. On the contrary, he believes IPL may produce fitter cricketers and give a big boost to the game. "IPL will keep all cricketers cent per cent fit all the time. Since the event is a fantastic incentive for youngsters, every player will try and develop his game to be in a position to be purchased by the teams and thus earn money."

Professional approach

Gavaskar also believes IPL will transform every budding cricketer into a professional. "Cricket has now become a serious career option and not something which one plays for leisure. Everyone will now follow a professional approach, preparing for the game.

"Very soon we will see youngsters from the age of 12 preparing physically and mentally so as to be in a position to be absorbed by one of the IPL teams. So it is terrific to see such kind of money coming into the game."