Extra overs for wicket-takers and short runs for backing up too far: Gavaskar suggests changes to T20 cricket
Sunil Gavaskar, the former India batsman turned pundit, has suggested some changes in T20 cricket to make the format easier for the bowlers.
Gavaskar joined Shane Warne in suggesting that the boundaries need to be longer to provide an even playing field for bowlers and batsmen. He also wants the decision-makers to increase the minimum number of bouncers allowed in an over to two.
Do you agree with @ShaneWarne's theory?https://t.co/EKgerkGj2u
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) September 7, 2020
Open Account Offer. Up to ₹4000 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit ₹400. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of 12 times qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code WISDEN can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. Bet on the IPL here. 18+ please gamble responsibly
Another change that he suggested was that a bowler should be awarded an extra over if he takes a wicket in the first three overs of his spell. However, Gavaskar also admitted that the format is doing “very well” and does not need any immediate tinkering.
“The T20 game is doing very well and there’s no need to tinker with it,” Gavaskar told PTI. “It is loaded heavily in favour of the batsmen for sure. So, give a fast bowler two bouncers per over and yes the boundaries can be easily longer, if the ground authorities want it.
“Also look at giving an extra over to the bowler who takes a wicket in his first three overs. But seriously there’s no need to bring any changes at all,” the 71-year-old opening great added.
Do you agree with Gavaskar? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/L7erlCjLm9
— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) August 23, 2020
Gavaskar advocated the use of TV umpire to check if the non-striker has backed up before a ball is delivered. “Now that the TV umpire is also checking if the bowler has overstepped for no balls,” he said, “he should be able to see if the non-striker has left the crease before the ball is released and if he has, then if runs are taken, it can be called one short even if a boundary or four is hit. This should act as a deterrent.”
