Sachin Tendulkar suggests 4 innovations to make ODI cricket more exciting
In a bid to make cricket more exciting, former Indian captain and batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has suggested that ODI cricket be split into four innings of 25 overs each. The Master Blaster particularly stressed on elevating India’s domestic cricket setup, echoing the sentiments of the new BCCI President Sourav Ganguly.
In an exclusive interview with the Times of India, Tendulkar spoke at length about various issues that have currently plagued Indian cricket and the game at large. He strongly recommended the focus to be on ODI cricket that’s dying a slow dedath.
“The 50-over format is the first thing that needs a look-in,” Tendulkar told TOI.
“As I had suggested, the format needs a tweak of two innings of 25 overs per side with a 15-minute break between each innings (a total of four innings between two teams). The number of innovations that can be brought in is huge. Let’s say there’s a 50-over-a-side match between Team A and Team B. Team A wins the toss, bats 25 overs; then team B bats for 25 overs; Team A resumes innings (with whatever wickets left) from the 26th over; Team B then resumes the last innings to chase the target.”
Besides the rejigging of ODIs, Tendulkar stressed on merging the various domestic tournaments that are played in the same format. In addition, he also suggested eliminating the currently prevailing zonal system and hiking of fees for cricketers at the first-class level.
Not the first time
Incidentally, this isn’t the first time Tendulkar has been vocal about bringing innovation to keep the game of cricket alive and draw both revenue and interest from its fans. At the conclusion of the 2019 World Cup, he also suggested that the boundary count rule be scrapped and instead, there should be more super overs until a result is obtained. Last month, he met the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and shared a list of recommendations to revive Mumbai cricket.
Here’s how he thinks ODI cricket will flourish with these changes:
The Dew Problem
Any team bowling second is likely to be at a disadvantage with the dew being around. With the split format of ODIs, this advantage will get relatively neutralised.
“There’s always a chance to come back into the game. In a regular 50-over format, if a side wins toss and there’s dew, the side bowling second has no chance. The wet ball just skids on to the bat and it’s never a fair battle,” said Tendulkar.
No fuss with washouts
Two innings of 25 overs each will give both teams to plan their innings better, should the rain arrive at a later stage in the match. This way, shortening the game due to rain interruption is less likely to be an issue.
“Frankly none of us understood Duckworth & Lewis. I think only those two gentlemen understood it. Look at the recent Vijay Hazare game washout, when Mumbai bowed out. Nobody likes a no-result contest,” he added.
Change of Powerplays
To add a dash of excitement, Tendulkar suggests that five of the first 25 overs should be mandatory powerplay instead of the original 10 overs. The remaining five should be divided into two for the batting side and three for the bowling side, as they want. This format should repeat for every innings of 25 overs.
“The six extra balls for bowling powerplay will balance the battle between the bat and ball. It’ll be exciting for the viewers because teams will constantly rethink strategies.”
“If a batting side has consumed seven overs of powerplay (5 mandatory and remaining 2), and have a pinch-hitter waiting to come out yet, they could hold the batsman back until the fresh mandatory powerplay will begin from the 26th over. Or, if the bowling powerplay is on and two off-spinners are on strike and batting side loses a wicket, a “nightwatchman” (reference term) can walk out to see off those overs”.
Happy broadcasters
The three 15-minute breaks suggested by Tendulkar will also particularly interest the broadcasters to cook up more meaningful conversations, instead of the monotonous 45-minute intermission. The Master added that innovation is essential for the survival of ODI cricket and that its identity will never change.
Revamp domestic tournaments
There are one too many competitions in India’s domestic cricket scenario that probably serve no purpose, according to Tendulkar. For instance, the Challenger Trophy features players coming from different states and zones to play as a team but doesn’t involve any team bonding whatsoever. The same pattern is visible in the Duleep Trophy, where players arrive the night before the match and then go their own ways once it’s over.
The former batsman believes it is of perennial importance to revisit the existence of such tournaments.
“The four semifinalists from Ranji should play the Duleep Trophy. The additional two teams should be carved out of the rest of the domestic players, and those who’ve done exceedingly well should be included. Here, the Under-19 and Under-23 players should be promoted. A player who doesn’t fit in the senior team could well be playing against players in this space,” he said.
Tendulkar also has his doubts about the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which is now slated to unfold before the IPL.
“It’s the same format. The IPL is serving that purpose and is getting revenue too, which is important,” he concluded.
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