IPL 2024: Sunil Gavaskar Raises Concerns Over Bowlers’ Plight, Calls for Boundary Expansion
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his concerns over the dominance of batters in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, calling for measures to protect bowlers from the relentless onslaught.
Speaking on the official broadcaster, Gavaskar proposed increasing the size of the boundary at every ground as a solution to address the imbalance between bat and ball in T20 cricket. He emphasized the importance of extending the boundary ropes, especially at smaller venues, to provide bowlers with a fair chance against power-hitting batters.
“I wouldn’t suggest any changes to a cricket bat because they are all within regulations, but I have been saying this for a long time, increase the size of the boundary at every ground,” Gavaskar said.
He highlighted the space between the advertisement boards and the fence where the stands begin, stating that pushing the boundary back by a few meters could significantly impact the outcome of matches and provide bowlers with a much-needed respite.
“Look at this ground today, there is enough space to take it back a little more by a couple of metres. It can often prove to be the difference between a catch and a sixer,” Gavaskar explained.
Expressing his frustration with the current state of affairs in T20 cricket, Gavaskar criticized the prevalent trend of power-hitting, likening it to a final net session.
“What we have been seeing in T20 cricket over the last few days is that this is batting like the coach tells in the nets, ‘This is the last round,’ and everybody starts swinging their bat around bang, bang whether they get out or not,” he said.
Gavaskar underscored the diminishing excitement beyond a certain point, stressing the need for a more balanced contest between bat and ball.
“It’s not exciting anymore. It’s like a final net session. You know, you’re just going to hit every ball for a six. There’s no excitement in that,” he added.
Gavaskar’s concerns highlight the growing need to address the imbalance between bat and ball in T20 cricket, ensuring that bowlers have a fair chance to compete and that matches remain exciting and competitive.
