As IPL fever grips the entire country, it can be safely assumed that people forget India’s Test performance in New Zealand series and Australia series. But lately India’s performance in limited over cricket has been superb, be it ODI WC or T20 WC or Champion’s trophy. This prompts me to write the blog about approach and mental setting of a cricketer in both the format. The fact that in last 10 years top 20 international batters in terms of T20 batting average do not feature in the list of top 20 batters in Test, is quite astonishing . So is it about batting approach and technique only or some mental aspects also prevail?

The fast-paced nature of T20 necessitates a high level of focus and quick decision-making on every delivery. Batters need to take in a lot of information from fielders and predict the bowler’s delivery. They also must be able to adapt quickly to changing conditions and situations. The pressure to score runs quickly and consistently can be intense sometime. While T20 requires quick decision-making, it may not cultivate the same level of mental toughness needed for longer format.

Test cricket on the other hand requires a different type of focus, one that is regulated and can be sustained over a long period. Batters need to be patient and conserve energy, while bowlers must be able to maintain their focus and accuracy over after over. Test cricket allows more strategic thinking and planning, with batters focusing on playing long innings and wearing down the opposition. They need to be mentally resilient and able to handle the pressure of long innings and difficult conditions. Training for “critical moment control” is crucial in Test cricket, where a single mistake can have a significant impact.

From batting technique perspective a lot of changes have been seen in the emerging T20 batters. Risk taking approach, unconventional shots, playing shots more in the air, are evinced contrary to Test cricket. T20 cricket sometimes can be masterclass in mental strength, strategic brilliance, and psychological resilience. These elements align with psychological principles where mental and strategic acumen determine success particularly the importance of mental resilience and strategic thinking in high-pressure situations.

Going ahead it will be interesting to observe whether further changes arise in years to come, specially when young players coming into the Test side are potentially those who have been exposed to, and grown up watching and playing T20 cricket.