‘Please let it go’: Gavaskar rejects free-hit idea in Tests after India’s no-ball problem
Sunil Gavaskar (Getty Images) Sunil Gavaskar has dismissed the idea of introducing free-hitting to Test cricket to tackle the growing no-ball problem, insisting that batting should not be an easier route to scoring in the longest format.The debate emerged after India were unable to complete a 2-0 run against Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo. Shubman Gill’s side needed just four wickets to win on the final day, but Sonal Dinusha’s unbeaten century helped Sri Lanka survive and force a draw.Still, India secured a 1–0 series win and kept their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final alive. However, the number of no-balls bowled by the Indian spinners during the series has raised concerns.Ravindra Jadeja has repeatedly crossed over the course of the two Tests. The senior left-arm spinner has bowled more than 85 not outs since 2021, while debutant Saransh Jain also took a few not outs during the second innings in Colombo.The matter prompted India’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule to suggest, albeit jokingly, that free hits could be introduced in Test cricket to deter bowlers from overstepping.However, Gavaskar feels that such a move would punish the wrong side. Claiming that no-balls are one of the few aspects of cricket that a player has complete control over, the former India captain said the issue needs to be addressed immediately as repeated mistakes can have a big impact on a Test match.“The low balls bowled by the Indian bowlers have taken a decent notice. It needs to be looked into urgently as it can change the complexion of the game. There are very few aspects of the game that are completely under the control of the players and the batsman’s keeper and the no-ball bowler are two such aspects. The players, when they come for an interview, talk about doing things under control. They should be in control today. excuses for crossing the bowling wicket,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for the Midday.
Gavaskar dismisses the idea of free hitting
Gavaskar has equally clearly opposed the proposal to give batsmen a free hit after the ball in Test cricket.He pointed out that scoring has already become somewhat easier due to bouncers’ restrictions and shorter boundaries, and believes that introducing another advantage for batsmen would go too far.“The coach of the Indian team jokingly said that awarding a free on a no-ball might help curb the offence. Please, let’s not make it easier for the batsmen to score in Test cricket with this penalty. As it is, with the bouncers being limited to two in the over and the boundaries being introduced, running has become a bit easier,” he added.Instead of changing the rules of the game, Gavaskar believes financial sanctions could provide a stronger deterrent.His proposal is straightforward: players should be fined whenever they cross the goal area, with the penalty increasing each time the offense is repeated. He also believes that the bowling coach should share some responsibility.“Instead, how about a fine that doubles for each additional offence, plus half the fine for the bowling coach as well. The fines collected can be used for the final team dinner before the boys break up,” Gavaskar wrote.
Gavaskar suggests more team fines
The former India captain also suggested expanding the idea beyond no-balls, with the team itself having a say in deciding whether certain errors on the field merit punishment.As examples of errors that could be included, he cited cases such as failing to back up a roll. Gavaskar believes such an approach could turn fines into a light-hearted team activity while encouraging greater accountability.“There can be other penalties, such as not backing up for a throw or something else not done on the field, that the whole team can vote on whether to impose or not. It can also be a fun activity and bond the team even more,” he added.India’s inability to finish off Sri Lanka in Colombo ultimately denied them a clean sweep, but Gavaskar’s concerns go beyond the result. With Test matches often decided on subtle margins, he believes avoidable off-balls are an issue India need to address rather than compensate by giving the batsmen more opportunities to score.