The definition of the most valuable player (All-Rounder as we knew it) has definitely changed since the inception of Twenty20 cricket. With more and more time being spent on the shorter formats of the game, the focus is shifting towards different kind of skill set. The fall of Pakistani cricket team as a Test playing nation was visible in the recent series against Australia, with younger inexperienced players trying to hit almost every ball. This made me thinking that if I had to bet my life today on any one player to bat for me, who would it be?
In short, who is the most valuable player today in all formats of cricket - Test, One Day or Twenty20? I can understand that each format requires different game and in turn, players with different skills. But shouldn’t a quality player be able to adjust his game according to the format. It would be an amazing test of a player's abiltiy if he can explode and take the game away in twenty20 and hit a century in the test cricket too. Twenty20 gave us quality hitters/bowlers like Yusuf Pathan/Sohail Tanvir and as much as I love this format, it is so disappointing to see these guys fail in the longer version of cricket.
For now, the money is on Shane Watson - the most valuable player today, be it any format or order.
How about you??
