Former India batter Sunil Gavaskar has called for a meaningful adjustment to IPL bowling rules, arguing that wicket-taking should be rewarded with extra bowling time. In his latest column, Gavaskar suggested that if a bowler reaches a fixed wicket threshold within their spell, they should be permitted to bowl one additional over—an idea aimed at balancing the modern, batter-dominant nature of T20 cricket.
Why Gavaskar wants a change in IPL conditions
Gavaskar’s central point is that the current structure of T20 cricket, particularly in the IPL, has increasingly leaned toward batters. He cited a combination of flatter surfaces, shorter boundaries, and regulations that—according to him—limit how much room bowlers have to make mistakes without being punished.
- He believes the restriction of four overs per bowler is something that should be revisited if the league wants a better contest between bat and ball.
- Gavaskar argued that if batters are allowed to face the full 20 overs, then bowlers who produce wickets within their spell should earn the chance to bowl one more over.
- He framed the idea as a reward mechanism for wicket-taking rather than run prevention alone.
How the proposed “wicket reward” could work
Gavaskar outlined the principle in straightforward terms. In his view, a bowler who takes, for example, three wickets during their four-over spell should be eligible to deliver an extra over as recognition for that impact at crucial stages.
He also expanded on the potential ripple effect such a rule could create. Under his model, multiple bowlers could earn additional overs in the same match, which he believes would significantly shift the balance in a format where—by his assessment—many aspects currently stack the deck against bowlers.
- He suggested that a bowler who takes three wickets in their allotted four overs could be granted another over.
- He noted that it is possible for several bowlers to qualify, leading to more overs being bowled by wicket-taking spells.
- Gavaskar said this would “even up” the playing field in a T20 format where bowlers face tough odds.
Wicket-taking as the “best dot ball”
Beyond the mechanics, Gavaskar argued the rule could influence team strategy. Instead of focusing purely on restricting runs—often at the cost of attacking wicket opportunities—he expects teams would be more motivated to chase wickets during their spells.
His argument leaned on the idea that a wicket can be the most valuable outcome in T20 cricket. He stressed that wicket-based breakthroughs should be encouraged because they deliver both momentum and a tangible reward in the game’s flow.
- Gavaskar said teams would try to take wickets rather than only aim to save runs.
- He described the wicket-taking dot ball as the “best” type of dot ball in T20 cricket.
Examples, evidence, and rule tweaks Gavaskar criticises
To support his broader claim that current conditions favour batters, Gavaskar pointed to the rise of centuries and massive totals. He specifically referenced IPL 2026 as an example of how the tournament’s environment has helped batters dominate, while also saying that tighter, more competitive matches on tougher pitches are more exciting than one-sided run festivals.
He also highlighted the way batters have struggled when faced with genuine pace and livelier conditions. In his remarks, he drew attention to Jofra Archer and Kagiso Rabada, framing them as bowlers against whom batting has been more difficult on pitches that offer real challenge.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s spell as a reference point
Gavaskar used a recent example to illustrate how his concept might play out in practice. He referred to Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s spell against Mumbai Indians, where the veteran pacer took four wickets.
Under the proposed wicket-based reward, a performance of that nature could earn the bowler an additional over at the death, giving the fielding side a direct incentive to attack and take wickets when the match is poised for late acceleration.
- He cited Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s four-wicket haul versus Mumbai Indians as the kind of spell that could trigger the extra-over idea.
- He said the additional over would come at the death, rewarding wicket-taking during the most decisive overs.
Batting-friendly factors he wants addressed
Gavaskar also criticised several elements of the modern game that, in his view, benefit batters. He specifically mentioned small boundaries, as well as strict interpretations around wide deliveries for short-pitched balls above shoulder height.
- He pointed to smaller boundary sizes as a factor that makes scoring easier.
- He criticised the strict wide-ball handling for short-pitched deliveries above shoulder height.
Testing the idea before changing the IPL
Instead of immediately introducing the rule in the IPL, Gavaskar argued that it should first be tested in domestic settings. He proposed using competitions such as city leagues and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as trial grounds before any wider rollout is considered.
- He suggested piloting the concept in domestic competitions first, including city leagues.
- He also named the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as a suitable place to evaluate the impact.
