The future of ODI cricket has become a growing talking point in the modern game, with the format facing increasing competition from the popularity of T20 cricket and the enduring appeal of Test matches. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has now offered a blunt assessment of the state of 50-over cricket, admitting that he believes the format is in a very difficult position.
Karthik explained that ODI cricket is struggling to attract the same level of passion and attention that the other two formats currently command. While discussing the subject on Cricbuzz, he described the current situation in particularly stark terms.
Dinesh Karthik explains why ODI cricket is ‘on a ventilator’
Karthik did not hold back when asked about the future of ODI cricket, using a striking comparison to explain his assessment of the format.
“If I have to put it in a nutshell, I would say it’s on a ventilator right now. It is in a very bad place. I think people have obviously warmed up to T20 cricket very easily and they love it,” said Karthik on Cricbuzz.
According to the former India cricketer, Test cricket continues to have its own dedicated audience because of its traditional status, while T20 cricket has quickly captured the attention of fans. However, he feels ODI cricket is struggling to establish a similar identity.
“Test cricket is the purest form of the game and there are some takers for it and there are two three countries following it passionately which is for sure Australia and England. India is probably just about there but I don’t think there is any country which is passionately following ODI cricket. It is neither here nor there in today’s day and world with the white ball being the way it is,” Karthik added.
Karthik questions the challenge posed by ODI cricket
Karthik also pointed towards the conditions of modern ODI cricket as one of the reasons behind his concerns. He believes the game can become too comfortable for batters once the initial movement with the ball disappears.
“It poses no challenge after the first five six overs when it stops swinging. So the batter almost has it too easy on a flat pitch and it feels like an elongated T20 game which is not fun either,” Karthik explained.
The former wicketkeeper further connected the issue with changing viewing habits in the social media era, where audiences are constantly exposed to shorter forms of entertainment.
Karthik on why bilaterals are becoming meaningless
Karthik also raised concerns about the relevance of bilateral ODI series, arguing that the format needs to become more exciting to retain the attention of modern audiences.
“In today’s day and age I keep saying this we are in the social media world where the attention span is quite less to keep an attention span of 8 hours in a day is very, very hard. I feel ODI cricket is struggling right now and bilaterals are definitely becoming very meaningless so they need to find a way to make it a lot more exciting and I don’t know how they can do it,” the former cricketer added further.
Karthik also pointed out the importance of the ODI World Cup to the ICC, describing it as a major property for the governing body. He questioned how much the format’s decline could eventually affect the tournament if ODI cricket continues to struggle. His comments have added another voice to the ongoing debate over how the 50-over format can retain its relevance alongside the rapidly expanding T20 landscape and the traditional importance of Test cricket.
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