Doing away with the toss was something I suggested 20 years ago: Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar isn’t amused with the ignorance from authorities towards him. In a recent interview, the legendary batsman came out on record saying that the decision makers normally don’t pay heed to suggestions until and unless you are an Englishmen or Australian when asked about the changes that needs to be brought in Cricket to enhance its popularity. Gavaskar states abolishing to rule from the cricket rituals – the toss and leg byes will do good to the game make Tests more appealing to the general public.

“Doing away with the toss was something I suggested 20 years ago. But I’m not an Australian or an Englishman, so I won’t get the credit for it. I have also asked the leg-byes to be scrapped because when a bowler has bowled a good ball and the batsman couldn’t get his bat to it, why should the fielding team be penalized. Those are things that maybe an Australian or an Englishman should suggest for them to be taken on board.”

Talking about the possibility of the Day-night version of the game which is slowly flourishing, entering India, Gavaskar says that the dew factor’ is the only issue.

“I’m quite eager but I think the main problem will be the dew. The conditions should remain the same and when I talk about the conditions it’s the ground conditions as the weather will keep changing everywhere. They will have to find a ground where dew will not be a factor.”

India is currently dominating the ranking charts, occupying the numero uno position. Currently, there is very little chances that any team can come close to removing them from the top. England at the moment has got a taste of India’s superiority after a bit of resilience. New Zealand already what its like to play against Virat Kohli & Co. Australia, who are currently hosting Pakistan at home, are due to tour in two months’ time. Many expect Australia could face the same consequences but Gavaskar contradicts saying that the confident bunch Aussies cannot be underrated.

“You can never be sure in cricket. Australia have improved after their defeats to South Africa and if they do well against Pakistan, they will come here with a lot of confidence. And, no Australian team can ever be underrated.”