A total of 34 extra runs were given up in the Indian T20 League (ITL) 2023 match between Chennai and Lucknow, which the former won by 12 runs. In contrast to Chennai, who gave up 13, Lucknow bowlers bowled seven wides out of the 34 extras, prompting great Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar to provide a novel solution.
Gavaskar shared his thoughts on the errant bowling, particularly that of Chennai, and advised that a free hit should be awarded if a bowler throws two or three wide balls in succession. As Deepak Chahar bowled three straight wides in the 17th over of the Lucknow innings, Gavaskar made the idea.
Ian Bishop called Sunil Gavaskar’s idea ‘ridiculous’
“After bowling two three consecutive wides, the batter should get a free hit,” noted Gavaskar on-air. His recommendation surprised fellow commentator Ian Bishop, who called it “a ridiculous idea”.
Justifying his point further, Gavaskar added: “All these wides and all really delay the game, so definitely food for thought next year.” Gavaskar and Chennai skipper MS Dhoni were dissatisfied with how many additional points his team gave up. Following the game, he made a similar observation and threatened to resign as captain if they continued to provide extras.
The Chennai and Lucknow game’s first inning recorded one no-ball and seven wides. During Lucknow’s innings, Chennai bowlers delivered 13 wides and three no-balls. Tushar Deshpande bowled all three no-balls in the innings, and Dhoni was clearly upset with him. “They’ll have to bowl no no-balls or extra wides. Or they’ll have to play under a new captain. It will be my second warning, and then I’ll be off,” said Dhoni during the post-match presentation ceremony.
Many new regulations have been added to the current Indian T20 League season. Thanks to the new Impact Player rule, the franchises can now designate a list of substitutes that can be used throughout the game per their team’s needs. In addition, the Decision Review System (DRS) has been changed so that players can now evaluate a potential wide or no-ball or vice versa.
Here’s how fans reacted to Sunil Gavaskar’s unique suggestion:
Buddha sathiya gaya hai .
— Archer (@poserarcher) April 4, 2023
Next IPL me aajayega ye rule b vaise b IPL me koi b rules aa rhe h currently?
— Harsh (@imharshn) April 4, 2023
Sir accha hai ab aap cricket nhi khelte ?
— ????? ???? (@HiTechHumour) April 4, 2023
Nonsense!
I heard the Commentry at that point of time.. Simon Doul was so furious on listening this idea…he said its stupid?
Do one thing Bring the rule only bowler should stay to bowl rest of the players should go out of the ground so that Batsman can hit wherever he want!?— ??eing ??ptimistic?? (@MaruthiChikka) April 4, 2023
Meanwhile Shardul thakur pic.twitter.com/xsut7MzILl
— Surya (@rtnhu) April 4, 2023
Aise to 2 dot ball pe 4 balls ka over hona chahiye ?
— CrickHub (@Crickhub07) April 4, 2023
I want a Cricket Match to be played with Only 22 Players. Don't want to make this Game & Fans as ???
— SR Cricket Fantasy (@CricketFantasyS) April 4, 2023
Then If a bowler takes 2 consecutive wickets then he is also allowed to bowl one more overs ?
— KL Siku Kumar (@KL_Siku_Kumar) April 4, 2023
