Sports news | Revise two new ball rule, it's 'unfair' for finger spinners, Gambhir urges ICC

Kolkata, Jun 21 (PTI) Former India opener Gautam Gambhir on Friday urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to review the two-new-ball rule in limited-overs formats, with the World Cup winner calling it “unfair” to finger players. .

The ICC had implemented this particular rule in the ODIs in October 2011, which the legendary Sachin Tendular had called a “perfect recipe for disaster”.

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“One thing I would definitely change is the use of two new balls, especially in white-ball cricket,” Gambhir said during the talk show ‘Rise to Leadership’ organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce.

According to several experts, the requirement to use two new balls has put finger spinners at a disadvantage and reduced the chances of reverse swinging because it helps the ball retain its shine.

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“It’s very unfair to the finger spinners, who don’t play enough white-ball cricket because there’s nothing for them. It’s not fair.

“The ICC’s job is to ensure that everyone, whether a finger spinner, a fast bowler, a wrist spinner or a batter, has an equal opportunity to showcase his talents,” said Gambhir, who recently mentored Kolkata Knight Riders during their run to the third IPL. title.

Gambhir is also considered the favorite to become India’s next coach after the departure of Rahul Dravid after the ongoing T20 World Cup.

The former two-time IPL-winning skipper requested the ICC to revise the rule.

“To take away this opportunity from some players is very unfair. Today, we hardly see any players playing white-ball cricket. Why? The fault lies not with them, but with the ICC.

“There is no more reverse swing thanks to the two new balls, and there is nothing for finger spinners or left-arm spinners.

“That is something I would like to change, and I hope it changes to create a balance between bat and ball,” Gambhir added.

Gambhir, who has played under different captains, refrained from naming the best skipper, but hailed MS Dhoni and said the best phase of his career was under him.

“It’s such a controversial issue. Honestly, I don’t want to make headlines, everyone had their strengths and weaknesses. I made my Test debut under Rahul Dravid and ODI under (Sourav) Ganguly.

“I had my best performance under Anil Kumble and I had my phase under MS Dhoni, and the longest I played was under MS. I really enjoyed playing with MS and the way he led the team. “team,” he said.

Gambhir also hailed Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan as the best team owner in the IPL.

“I had the privilege of working with the best owner in IPL.”

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