One of the biggest debates surrounding the cricketing world at the moment has been the regulation of the size of bats or rather the lack of it.
The likes of Ricky Ponting and Darren Lehman have in the past spoken about a regulation that needs to be in place to reduce the size of the bats while David Warner, the Australian opening batsmen felt that the wickets on offer were to blame and that the width and blade of the bat are not the only things that has caused the dramatic change.
In recent years, we have seen batsmen clear grounds with mistimed shots and a report commissioned by the MCC, the guardian of the game’s laws, in 2014 found the thickness of bats had marginally increased in the last century and that edges had broadened by 300 percent, meaning even mistimed shots could still find the boundary.
However, Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar had his own solution to the problem.
Like Warner said, Sachin also felt that the wickets which have turned into batting paradises need to be changed and that the bowlers should also be given a chance to excel in all the formats.
“The wickets need to change; they need to be more helpful for bowlers,” Tendulkar said in an interview with ESPNcricinfo.
However, the Marylebone Cricket Club, the world cricket committee that gathered on Tuesday to discuss many issues have out with a verdict to put limitations on the size of the bat after being convinced that its size has tilted the game in the favor of the batsmen.
Tendulkar however, went on to say, “In T20s, the greatest of bowlers are being reverse-swept. Three-hundred is no longer competitive in ODIs. So there should be at least one format where bowlers have a better chance of executing their skills and making it more interesting for spectators.”
“I don’t think it’s got much to do with bats, but I’m sure people on the (relevant) panel will be able to look into it,” he added.
The former Indian cricketer also spoke about his relationship with Anil Kumble in that interview.
He revealed that Kumble, who has been a servant of the Indian cricket team for almost 2 decades will have loads to share with his teammates and felt the new Indian coach will teach the Indian players how to be successful.
“He will be out there to win each and every moment. He played for almost 20 years, so there is plenty to share. I’ll just tell the players to grasp as much information from Anil as possible,” he said.
“In sport, over a period of time what you learn is not every day you are successful, sometimes you have to face failures.”
“It is all about being a tough character and be able to stand back on your feet again and to compete the next day. Every day is a fresh day, a new beginning. That is something I feel Anil will teach them,” he added.