Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian cricketer, proposed during commentary of the CSK vs LSG match in IPL 2023 that a free hit should be awarded to the batting team if the bowling team bowls two consecutive wides. This was in response to the CSK fast bowlers struggling with their accuracy, as they conceded a total of 13 wides – 5 by Deepak Chahar and 4 by Tushar Deshpande.
Sunil Gavaskar, a former Indian cricketer, suggested that the batting team should receive a free hit if the bowling team delivers two consecutive wide deliveries. This suggestion was put forth when Deshpande bowled three wides and two no-balls in his first over of the game. Later, Deepak Chahar bowled three consecutive wide balls in the 17th over of LSG’s innings. Simon Doull and Ian Bishop were present in the commentary box at the time, stating that it was a ‘stupid’ comment in front of the bowlers. Gavaskar, however, believes that giving a free hit for two wide balls will force bowlers to focus better on their lines.
It’ll take time to understand the Impact Player rule: Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar, an expert cricket analyst and commentator for Star Sports, has been sharing his insights into the events unfolding in IPL 2023. He has given his opinion on the new ‘Impact Player’ rule, suggesting that teams need time to adjust and understand it fully. Already, most of the teams have used the Impact Player, substituting one player from the XI with varying results. Nevertheless, as Gavaskar indicated, teams will become more familiar with this rule in due time.
