The game of cricket has seen it get more inclined towards the batters over the years. First came the powerplays, then the free-hit, giving batters the licence to explode. Another rule change was the introduction of two new balls during an innings in the ODI format, thus eliminating the reverse-swing factor. And the provision to field an extra fielder inside the circle from overs 11-40 have been argued a factor leading to more defensive approach by the spinners.
Ravichandran Ashwin, who we all know is great observer of the game, feels that the rule of having two new balls and the extra fielder inside the circle should be changed in order to add more balance between batters and bowlers in ODIs. He also believes that the provision to have an extra fielder inside the 30-yard-circle was done to "nullify India’s spin domination" in the middle-overs.
Ashwin also made an interesting assessment on the future of ODI cricket and called the ongoing Champions Trophy, underway in Pakistan and Dubai, as "monotonous".
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“Before this Afghanistan versus England match I was wondering whether there is any future for ODI cricket,” Ashwin said on his Hindi YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat'. “Let’s be very honest with it. In T20Is, there is so much crowd, and consumption is high because it ends inside four hours. I feel Test cricket will excel more once the first-class structure of teams like Afghanistan will improve.
“But in ODI there is no contest. Until 2013-14 ODI cricket was played with one ball. Before 2015 the new rule was implemented where five fielders were allowed in the circle and two balls were introduced. I think in many ways that rule was to nullify India’s spin domination. That is just my take.”
Ashwin, who has spoken on the subject previously, argued: “I think that is impacting the game massively. Because reverse swing is gone from the game now. Role of finger spin was also reduced.
“The 50 over World Cup (2027) in South Africa is going to be a real challenge for the ICC. It is at the brink of a decision being made. Because the game is going so slow. It’s meandering along. I have a question in my mind that is there a place for 50 overs in today’s cricket? Until this Afghanistan vs England game. This Champions Trophy was just so monotonous,” he said.
Ashwin also suggested to use red-ball instead of white in ODIs. “There used to be a time where one-day used to be play with the red ball. It is time to seriously give it a thought about this particular format of the game,” he said.
The spinner, who retired as India's second highest wicket-taker in Tests, has always maintained high standard both off the field with his blunt and straightforward approach. He has also been slammed for the same, which was majorly felt post the Mankad episode involving Jos Buttler in the 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). But the criticism never really mattered to Ashwin, who justified his actions by pointing out the rules of the game.
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