Sachin Tendulkar Suggests Radical Changes to Revitalize ODI Cricket

image-lgro3okmTendulkar urges radical changes to ODI format [Twitter]

Former Indian cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar, has recently recommended some alterations to the One-Day International (ODI) format with the goal of restoring a balance between batting and bowling. As several prominent players have expressed concern over the waning popularity of ODI cricket, Tendulkar's proposals may provide a means of rejuvenating the sport's appeal.

In particular, Tendulkar has called for the removal of the current practice of using two new balls in an ODI match, noting that this undermines the potential for reverse swing and the ball's discoloration, which can place significant pressure on the bowling team. 

According to the 49-year-old, these factors previously represented a significant advantage for bowlers and made the sport more challenging for batsmen.

"With two new balls, even in the 25th over, the ball is literally 12 or 13 overs old. There is no such thing as reverse swing or the discolouration of the ball, or the ball becoming soft. These factors really put a lot of pressure on the bowling side. There were challenges [for batters] where one did not pick the ball because of the discolouration. That was an advantage for a bowler,” said Tendulkar was as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The Indian veteran also recommended allowing an additional fielder outside the ring between overs 11 and 40, thereby permitting spinners to bowl in a more aggressive manner. Currently, the requirement for five fielders in the ring hinders spinners from altering their line, as an off-spinner is forced to bowl a middle-stump line to avoid exposing gaps in the field.

"Also with the introduction of five fielders in the ring… I was speaking to a lot of spinners and the overall opinion is that 'we cannot change our line. If an offspinner is bowling, he is forced to bowl a middle-stump line. Because you either have to have your deep point in the ring or you need to bring in the long-off because on the on side, you have three fielders in the deep and here you can have only one fielder in the deep,” added the legendary batter.

In addition to these changes, Tendulkar suggests the implementation of a two-innings system, whereby each team receives 25 overs to bat, and the other team takes up the bat immediately afterward, similar to test cricket. This will serve to reduce the impact of the coin toss and enable both teams to compete fairly, regardless of the pitch conditions.

"The solution for that, I had spoken some time ago, is to have a 25-25 overs match. It is a 50-over match, but you bat for 25 overs, then the other team comes and bats for 25 overs, and you start again from where you stopped after the first 25 overs,” stated the Indian stalwart.

Regarding the proposed changes, the leading run-scorer in ODIs emphasized the importance of a fair competition between the two teams, noting that the outcome should not be determined by the toss of a coin. He believes that by implementing these changes, ODI cricket will become more competitive and engaging, providing an exciting spectacle for fans worldwide.