'Hardly Any Reverse-Swing or Finger-Spinners': Gambhir Suggests This Rule by ICC Denies Equal Opportunity for Players

Gautam Gambhir was interviewed for the India coach's role on Tuesday. (BCCI Photo)

The former Indian opening batter, Gautam Gambhir suggested that the International Cricket Council (ICC) revisit the two new-ball rules in the white-ball format as he suggested that the mandate is ‘unfair’ to the finger spinners.

Speaking at the ‘Rise to Leadership’ talk show by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Gambhir revealed his thoughts regarding the rule. “One thing I would change is the use of two new balls, especially in white-ball cricket,” Gambhir said.

Several experts were not in favour of this rule as they felt that it put the finger spinners at a disadvantage along with the quicker bowlers due to the ball retaining its shine, thus reducing the chances of reverse swing.

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

“The ICC’s job is to ensure that everyone, whether a finger spinner, fast bowler, wrist spinner, or batter, has an equal opportunity to showcase their talents,” said Gambhir, who is also the mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders.

He is also reportedly a front-runner to become the next coach of the senior men’s team after Rahul Dravid’s term comes to an end following the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 taking place in the West Indies and the United States of America.

A reputed batter during his time, Gambhir requested that the ICC review this rule and suggested that the apex international cricket board being the reason for finger spinners being out of fashion.

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

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

Best Skipper Gambhir has Worked With

During the talk show, Gambhir was asked the question of who he thought was the best skipper. While he refrained from naming it, he hailed the former Indian skipper MS Dhoni’s tenure as the best time he played international cricket.

“This is such a controversial question. I honestly don’t want to give headlines, everyone had their strength 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 enjoyed playing a lot with MS and the way he led the team,” he said.

(with PTI Inputs)

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