‘We are going through a tough time’ – L Sivaramakrishnan urges fellow commentators to avoid using term ‘death overs’

Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, who has been a renowned face in the commentary circuit, has urged his fellow commentators to refrain from using the term “death overs.” The last few overs in white-ball cricket are extremely crucial as the batting side look to gather maximum runs while bowlers try stopping them from doing so. Commentators have been using the term “death overs” for this phase of the game and Sivaramakrishnan has a problem with it.

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday (January 19), Sivaramakrishnan requested commentators around the world to avoid using this term as he feels it has a negative aura to it. Ever since the COVID-19 virus came in the picture, the world has been grappling. Hence, Sivaramakrishnan feels the usage of ‘death’ term isn’t appropriate in such tough times.

Either call it slog overs or end overs: L Sivaramakrishnan

“Request to all commentators, please don’t say ‘DEATH OVERS’. Either call it slog overs or end overs. We are going through a tough time. Death is not a nice word. The last ten overs are definitely important overs but one doesn’t die if it doesn’t go the team’s way,” Sivaramakrishnan tweeted.

Request to all commentators, please don’t say “ DEATH OVERS”. Either call it slog overs or end overs. We are going through a tough time. Death is not a nice word. The last ten overs are definitely important overs but one doesn’t die if it doesn’t go the team’s way.#SAvIND

— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) January 19, 2022

For the unversed, the last 10 overs of an innings are described as “death overs” in ODI matches. As far as the T20I matches are concerned, this term is used for the last five overs of an innings. As mentioned above, this phase of the game is pretty crucial and often decides the course of the entire game. This also tests the skills and mental strength of an individual.

Speaking of Sivaramakrishnan, the former spinner took up commentary in 2000 after retiring from the game. As of now, he serves as one of the players’ representatives on the International Cricket Council’s cricket committee. Meanwhile, Sivaramakrishnan’s suggestion came a day after the conclusion of the first ODI between India and South Africa.

Hence, fans in the comment section speculate Sivaramakrishnan’s thoughts might have been prompted by the commentary done in the game. Notably, South Africa batted first in the game and scored a lot of runs in the end overs of the first innings. On the other hand, the latter half of India’s chase saw wickets falling at regular intervals. The Proteas side eventually won that contest by 31 runs.