Sunil Gavaskar takes aim at modern bowler hydration practices

Former Indian cricket team captain Sunil Gavaskar has openly criticized the contemporary habit of bowlers taking refreshments at the boundary line. 

In his column for Sportstar, Gavaskar expressed his disapproval of bowlers drinking water or eating outside the designated drinks breaks, a practice he believes undermines the traditional structure and endurance aspect of cricket.

Gavaskar pointed out that bowlers often finish their overs, refresh themselves with drinks at the boundary, and then resume fielding, a habit that authorities have seemingly overlooked.

"In cricket, the modern practice of bowlers, especially the quick ones, getting a refreshing drink on the boundary line where they go to field after completing their over is an example of the authorities turning a blind eye to the practice," Gavaskar wrote.

Why have the drinks interval then if bowlers are going to get themselves hydrated after going flat out for six deliveries? Mind you, the batter doesn't get the chance to have a drink after an over where they may have taken eight runs or so, which are all runs," he added.

He emphasized that cricket is a game where stamina and endurance are crucial, regardless of the format. Gavaskar called for a return to the days when drinks were only taken after every hour of play, and any deviations required the permission of the opposition captain and umpires. 

"Cricket is also a game where stamina and endurance matter no matter what the format is, so frankly, it should go back to the days when drinks were taken only after every hour of play and before that only with the permission of the opposition captain and umpires. Once the umpires looked the other way and allowed one bowler to do that, it became a trend, making a mockery of the drinks interval," he said.

Gavaskar also suggested that the third umpire and match referee should ensure that reserve players do not step onto the field to offer drinks to their teammates but remain outside the boundary line. 

"The third umpire and match referee should also ensure that the reserve player does not step onto the field to offer a drink to his teammate but stays outside the boundary line," he concluded.