Our Bureau
Mumbai
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has rejected the idea of introducing free hits in Test cricket to curb repeated no-balls, instead calling for stricter financial penalties on bowlers and bowling coaches responsible for the offence.
Gavaskar’s comments came after India’s no-ball problems during the recently concluded two-Test series against Sri Lanka. Indian bowlers repeatedly overstepped during the series, with 13 no-balls coming in the second Test in Colombo alone. Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Saransh Jain were among the bowlers involved. Across the four innings of the series, India bowled 20 no-balls.
The issue gained attention after India failed to force a victory in Colombo despite putting Sri Lanka under considerable pressure. Sri Lanka’s Sonal Dinusha scored an unbeaten century to help the hosts secure a draw, while India eventually won the series 1-0.
India’s spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule had jokingly suggested that introducing a free hit after a no-ball could discourage bowlers from overstepping. Gavaskar, however, argued that such a move would make scoring easier for batters and could further alter the balance of Test cricket.
Instead, Gavaskar proposed imposing a fine on bowlers every time they bowl a no-ball, with the amount doubling for each subsequent offence. He also suggested that the bowling coach should be fined half the amount imposed on the bowler.
Gavaskar argued that overstepping is an aspect of bowling that players can control, particularly with modern methods allowing bowlers to accurately measure their run-ups.