Gautam Gambhir criticizes use of two new balls in ODIs

JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has strongly criticized the use of two new balls in One Day Internationals (ODIs), describing it as "the worst thing that has happened in cricket." 

In a conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Gambhir argued that this change has significantly diminished the role and effectiveness of finger spinners in the game.

The ICC implemented the two new balls rule in 2011 after complaints about the white ball's inability to retain its color for the full 50 overs. Previously, the ball was replaced after 34 overs. This rule was initially experimented with during the 1992 World Cup but was fully adopted years later.

Gambhir expressed his discontent with the current rule.

"The worst thing that has happened in cricket is the introduction of two new balls. You’ve taken the entire skill of a finger spinner away from the game, whether it’s a left-arm spinner or off spinner," Gambhir said.

He elaborated on the challenges faced by finger spinners due to this rule, highlighting how the presence of two new balls and fielding restrictions make it difficult for them to be effective. 

“You’ve got two new balls, you’ve got five fielders inside, how do you expect a finger spinner to get anything out of a surface and how do you expect a finger spinner to be included in the playing XI?," Gambhir questioned.

Gambhir also pointed out that top finger spinners like Ashwin and Nathan Lyon have struggled to find success in ODIs because of the two new balls. 

“You’ve taken out two of the best finger spinners in the world, you [Ashwin] and Nathan Lyon. The reason why you guys didn’t play was there was nothing for you guys," he further said.

He emphasized that the role of the ICC should be to promote all types of bowling, including finger spin, and criticized the impact of the current rule on aspiring young spinners.

“It’s not about you and Nathan Lyon. It’s about the job of ICC. The job of ICC is that you promote every kind of bowler who wants to become an off spinner and finger spinner. Tell me how many youngsters going forward want to take up finger spin? This art of bowling off spin or left-arm spin, no one would want to, because they know they’ve got no future in white-ball cricket," Gambhir said.

Gambhir suggested that the issue of the ball losing its color could be addressed by improving manufacturing standards rather than changing the rules. 

"It’s not a player’s problem. If the ball manufacturer can’t keep the ball in good shape for 50 overs, might as well change the manufacturer. Don’t introduce two new balls because one ball can’t hold whatever colour for 50 overs. That’s a manufacturer’s problem," he further added.

Gambhir called for a return to the use of a single ball for the entire 50 overs to restore balance and promote the art of finger spin.

“Because there’s nothing off the wicket and you’ve got five fielders inside. So I think ICC has messed it up and we can change it going forward and have one ball for entire 50 overs," he concluded.