Gambhir Calls for ICC to Rethink Two New Balls Rule in Limited Overs Cricket

Gautam Gambhir Calls for ICC to Reassess Two New Balls Rule in Limited Overs Cricket

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reconsider the rule allowing two new balls in limited overs cricket. Gambhir believes the regulation is "unfair" to finger spinners and has diminished the art of reverse swing.

In 2011, the ICC introduced the use of two new balls in ODIs, a move that was met with criticism from some quarters. Gambhir echoed these concerns, stating that the rule has disadvantaged finger spinners and reduced their opportunities in white-ball cricket.

"It is very unfair for finger spinners, who are not playing enough white-ball cricket because there is nothing for them," Gambhir said. "It is not right."

The use of two new balls has also impacted reverse swing, as the ball maintains its shine for a longer duration. This has made it more difficult for bowlers to generate reverse swing, a skill that was once a key weapon in limited overs cricket.

"There is no reverse swing anymore because of the two new balls, and there is nothing for finger spinners or left-arm spinners," Gambhir added.

Gambhir, who recently mentored the Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title, believes the ICC should reassess the rule to ensure a fair balance between bat and ball.

"Taking that opportunity away from certain players is very unfair," he said. "Today, you hardly see any finger spinners playing white-ball cricket. Why? The blame lies not with them, but with the ICC."

Gambhir also praised the leadership of MS Dhoni, under whom he enjoyed his most successful years in international cricket.

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

Tags: #Cricket, #ICC, #GautamGambhir, #TwoNewBalls, #FingerSpinners