Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has expressed his admiration for the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the high-quality cricket it showcases, but he also voiced concerns about the league becoming a shortcut for youngsters aiming to play for the Indian national team. Speaking on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube show, ‘Kutti Stories with Ash’, Gambhir emphasized the importance of aspiring to play Test cricket for India.

“The bigger concern that arises is about how many youngsters want to play Test cricket for India. I hope the IPL is not a shortcut to play for India,” Gambhir said during the interview.

Gambhir, who also serves as a team mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders, acknowledged the positive impact the IPL has had on Indian domestic cricketers. He believes the league has provided invaluable exposure and opportunities for many players to showcase their talent on a grand stage.

Despite his concerns, Gambhir praised the IPL for its role in elevating the standard of domestic cricket and providing a platform for emerging players. He hopes that while young cricketers continue to strive for excellence in the IPL, they also remain committed to the longer formats of the game, particularly Test cricket, which he views as the ultimate goal for any aspiring Indian cricketer.

Gambhir’s comments come at a time when the balance between T20 leagues and traditional cricket formats is a topic of much debate within the cricketing community.