DP World Lions batting coach Hashim Amla expresses concerns that the widespread prevalence of T20 cricket is weakening the playing techniques required for long-form formats.
Amla emphasized the need to guide young South African players toward success in multi-format cricket. He explained in an exclusive interview with IOL that the excessive number of T20 games creates problems because it negatively impacts batting techniques and the skill level required for four-day cricket.
Amla himself was previously unfairly labeled as a specialist in long-form cricket early in his career with the Proteas. He refuted critics by becoming the fastest player in history to achieve all milestones in 1000 runs in ODIs from 2000 to 7000 runs.
However, his early path was shaped by the patience inherent in the long-form format. When Amla debuted for South Africa in Tests in 2004, skeptics questioned his technique. Facing immense pressure after scoring only 35 runs in the first four matches, the 21-year-old athlete became the backbone of the Proteas' attacking line, scoring runs for 15 dominant years.
In the initial stages of his coaching career, Amla is focused on passing on accumulated knowledge to the next generation. Using his experience gained in 349 international matches, he views bridging the gap between formats as his main task at the Lions club.
He noted that one of the main challenges young players face is balancing the desire to play Tests with the ambition to become a T20 superstar. Amla stated that he really enjoys helping batsmen find their way through different formats.
For Amla, training at the Lions goes beyond winning local tournaments; it is preparing players for the ultimate test of international cricket. He stressed that there is enormous talent in South Africa, and every province can boast talented cricketers. Amla added that new, admirable young players emerge in the Lions every year, which is the most exciting thing for the coach.