Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is always known for his outspoken style and making bold statements. Recently he has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC). He talked about a rule change that eliminated the art of spin bowling in ODI cricket. Gambhir has said that the worst thing that has happened in cricket is that in ODI cricket, 50 overs are bowled with two new balls.

Let us tell you that in order to increase the power hitting ability in ODI cricket, ICC introduced a rule allowing two new balls in ODI matches in 2011. Gambhir has also targeted the ICC and said that if I had my way, I would remove the two-ball rule. Let us tell you that with the arrival of two new balls, the importance of finger spinners has gradually reduced in ODI cricket.

Gautam Gambhir targeted ICC

KKR mentor Gautam Gambhir “The worst thing that has happened in white-ball cricket is the introduction of two new balls,” he said in the Kutty Talks with Ashwin show on R Ashwin’s YouTube channel. I am saying this because with one decision you have taken away the entire skill of a finger spinner, be it a left arm spinner or an off spinner.

You have two new balls and five fielders inside. How do you expect a finger spinner to be able to take any help from the pitch and be included in the final 11? This is the worst thing in white-ball cricket.” Gambhir has admitted that the white ball career of R Ashwin and Nathan Lyon has been short because they do not get any support from the ball and the pitch.

He said, “I have said it everywhere. This rule has taken away the two best finger spinners in the world who should have played more white ball cricket, you (Ashwin) and Nathan Lyon. The reason you guys didn’t play was because there was nothing for you, despite all these odds on a flat track with power hitters on short boundaries and also with DRS.”