Mentality Needs To Change To Play Longer Format: Dahiya's Honest Take

In a candid conversation that has caught the attention of the domestic cricket circuit, Dahiya opened up on what he believes is the biggest challenge facing young Indian cricketers today — the transition from the fast-paced T20 environment to the disciplined demands of red-ball cricket. "The mentality needs to change to play the longer format," Dahiya said, adding that shot selection, patience, and temperament simply cannot mirror the aggressive templates seen in franchise leagues.

Dahiya explained that the modern cricketer grows up idolising six-hitting and quick scoring rates, which, while valuable in white-ball formats, can be counterproductive when facing the moving red ball over long sessions. According to Dahiya, batters must learn to leave deliveries, occupy the crease, and understand that building an innings brick by brick is an art distinct from T20 batting. CricketBuzz understands that this concern has been echoed by several domestic coaches who feel young talents are increasingly struggling to adapt their techniques across formats.

Bridging The Gap Between Formats

Dahiya pointed out that franchise cricket has undoubtedly improved fielding standards, fitness levels, and match awareness among youngsters, but the same cannot be said for defensive technique and shot discipline required in first-class cricket. "You cannot play the same way in a Test match as you would in a T20 game. The intent, the patience, and even the way you think about your innings has to be completely different," he noted, urging young players to spend more time in the nets working on traditional batting principles.

As CricketBuzz reported earlier this season, several state associations have already begun introducing specialised red-ball camps to help bridge this gap, focusing on mental conditioning alongside technical correction. Dahiya believes such structured programs, combined with a genuine mindset shift among players, could be the key to producing batters capable of excelling in both formats. With domestic red-ball tournaments gearing up, all eyes will be on how young cricketers respond to this call for change. Stay with CricketBuzz for more updates on this developing story.