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New Delhi: Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Monday suggested that it should be mandatory for teams to play a certain number of Test matches every year.
India have risen to the top of Test cricket rankings but as of now, they are scheduled to play only two Test matches and that too against minnows Bangladesh in the next 11 months.
"We can have a minimum number of Test matches annually. In a year's span there could be a minimum number of Tests and One-dayers to play. And after that if institutions like ECB and BCCI think they have to play more Tests, it's welcome," Dhoni said.
As it will be difficult to maintain their number one status without playing more Test matches, the BCCI is trying to fix another two-match series against South Africa early next year.
Dhoni, however, conceded that working out such a schedule would not be an easy task.
"It is difficult to have a specific formula as it all depends on the FTP (Future Tours Programme) which is fixed three-five years before and different nations play different number of Test matches. But we can have a minimum number," Dhoni said on the launch of his individual website.
Websites of flamboyant opener Virender Sehwag, spinner Harbhajan Singh and young paceman Ishant Sharma were also launched.
Both Dhoni and Sehwag refused to take questions on the Kotla fiasco on Sunday.
"It was the first match which I played and got abandoned. ICC officials will discuss and take a decision," was all Dhoni said when asked about the fiasco.
Talking about the proposal of day-night Test matches Dhoni said only time will tell if the idea would work.
"It's difficult to answer about day-night Test matches. It's a pro-active step being taken. We will have to see the response. Even how the fans respond to it. We will have to wait," he said.
Dhoni did not agree that too much cricket is being played these days.
"I think we are playing the same amount of cricket which we have been playing in the last eight years. Only Twenty20 matches have come up since the launch of the Indian Premier League.
"BCCI also says that if you need rest, you can opt out (of a series). It's a big decision. And players can be rotated. And if somebody has niggle he can be rested so that niggle do not convert into an injury," he said.
Sehwag hoped out of touch Ishant, who has been ignored for the tri-series in Bangladesh, will soon force his way to the national team.
"This time comes in the life of every cricketer. I was also dropped in 2007. Ishant will play a few Ranji matches and I am sure he will make a comeback."
