Gautam Gambhir: ‘The art of spin bowling has been destroyed’, Gautam Gambhir targeted this rule of ICC, know what he said
During this, Gautam Gambhir discussed the careers of Ravichandran Ashwin and Nathan Lyon in detail. He highlighted that due to this special rule of the ICC, the careers of both the legendary spin bowlers have remained relatively short in white ball cricket. Gambhir told that this rule not only affected their performance but also affected the length of their careers. According to him, if this rule was not applicable, then perhaps both Ashwin and Lyon would have been even more successful in white ball cricket and would have been able to play for a long time. Gambhir strongly criticized this rule, calling it unfair towards spin bowlers.
Gautam Gambhir said during this, “The worst thing that has happened in white ball cricket is the introduction of two new balls.” He explained in detail how harmful this change has proved to be for spin bowlers, especially finger spinners. Gambhir told, “I am saying this because through this rule you have taken away the entire skill of finger spinners from the game. Be it a left-arm spinner or an off-spinner, both have been badly affected by this change.” He further said, “When you have two new balls and five fielders inside, how can you expect a finger spinner to get anything off the surface and be included in the team’s final 11? Because of the two new balls, there is swing and seam movement in the ball, which makes it very difficult for finger spinners to get help from the pitch.” Gambhir termed it as the worst change in white ball cricket and said, “This rule not only reduces the effectiveness of spin bowlers, but also limits their strategies and variety of play. This has made it extremely difficult for spin bowlers to showcase their art.” Thus, Gautam Gambhir strongly criticized this rule of ICC, calling it extremely harmful for the career of finger spinners. He also suggested that such rules should be reconsidered so that spin bowlers can also showcase their talent and skills to the fullest.
Gambhir’s opinion on the careers of Ravichandran Ashwin and Nathan Lyon
Gautam Gambhir expressed his concern while discussing the careers of Ravichandran Ashwin and Nathan Lyon. Gambhir explained in detail how the ICC rules have affected the careers of these two legendary spin bowlers in white ball cricket.
Gambhir said, “Due to this rule, the careers of both spinners in white ball cricket were cut short. I have always been saying that this rule has taken away the two best finger spinners in the world from the game, who should have played more white ball cricket. Both these spinners, Ashwin and Nathan Lyon, are masters of their art, but these rules prevented them from showcasing their full potential.” He further said, “The reason you guys didn’t play was that there was nothing for you. Despite all these obstacles, playing on a flat pitch with short boundaries and power hitters, and then playing with DRS (Decision Review System), all these together made the challenge even more difficult for finger spinners.” Gambhir also explained how the two new balls rule has created problems for spin bowlers. “When you have two new balls, there is swing and seam movement in the ball, which makes it very difficult for finger spinners to get help from the pitch. Also, when there are five fielders inside, it becomes almost impossible to expect a finger spinner to get something off the surface and be included in the team’s final 11.” Gambhir stressed, “This is the worst change in white ball cricket. This rule has limited the strategies and variety of play of spin bowlers, making it extremely difficult for them to showcase their art.” In the end, Gambhir suggested that such rules should be reconsidered so that spin bowlers can also showcase their talent and skills to the fullest and their careers get due recognition.
‘I will abolish this rule’: Gautam Gambhir
Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir has clearly stated that if he ever gets a chance, he will abolish the two new balls rule in white-ball cricket. Gambhir expressed his opinion saying, “The job of the ICC is to promote every kind of bowler, be it an off-spinner or a finger spinner. But under the current rules, it is not possible.”
Gambhir explained how this rule is harming the art of spin bowling. “Tell me how many youngsters want to take up the art of spin bowling now? None, because they know they have no future in white-ball cricket. If it was up to me, I would remove the two new balls rule in white-ball cricket. I think it is the worst thing that has happened to cricket.” He further said, “The ICC has made a big mistake by implementing this rule. Due to two new balls, it has become very difficult for spin bowlers to get help from the surface. Apart from this, power hitters and short boundaries have made the situation even more challenging for spin bowlers. When you have two new balls, there is constant swing and seam movement in the ball, which makes it even more difficult for spin bowlers to take wickets.” Gambhir advised the ICC, “Hopefully the ICC will reconsider this rule and implement it in the future.
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