In 2011, the International Cricket Council (ICC) implemented a rule in One Day Internationals (ODIs), allowing the use of two new balls during an innings. The purpose of this rule change was to ensure that a hard, fresh ball would be available in the latter stages of the innings, encouraging batting with dynamic power.
Gautam Gambhirformer Indian opening batsman who is currently working as a consultant for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, has recently voiced criticism of this law. He expressed displeasure with the introduction of this law, questioning its impact on the course of the game.
Gautam Gambhir expresses his disagreement with the law of changing the ball
While talking to Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Gambhir labeled the rule of allowing the use of two new balls in a game as the worst thing that could happen to white ball cricket. He pointed out that changing the ball after 25 overs in the innings has a negative impact on the skills of finger spinners.
“The worst thing that has happened in white ball cricket is the introduction of two new balls. The reason I say that is because you have taken away all the ability of the finger spinner in the game, be it a left-arm spinner or an off-spinner,” Gambhir told Ashwin on his YouTube channel.
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Gambhir accuses the ICC of messing things up
The 42-year-old emphasized the importance of the ICC to develop all types of bowlers and urged the governing body to consider allowing the use of one ball in ODI matches.
“The ICC’s mission is to promote every type of bowler who wants to be an off-spinner or a finger spinner. I think the ICC messed up. Hopefully, they can change it going forward and use one ball in every 50 overs in an ODI match,” Gambhir said.
The Delhi-born cricketer revealed that the introduction of this law has hampered spinners like Nathan Lyon and Ashwin in showing their full potential in ODIs.
“I’ve said it everywhere. This rule removed two of the best spinners in the world, who should have played white ball cricket, you (Ashwin) and Nathan Lyon. The reason why you guys didn’t play was because you didn’t have anything, against all these flat track faults with power hitters on the shirt border, and DRS as well,” Gambhir concluded.
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