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India coach proposes free hits to address no-ball issues in Tests

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 8:00 AM

Last updated Aug 27, 2026

India coach proposes free hits to address no-ball issues in Tests

Summary

Sairaj Bahutule, India's spin bowling coach, suggested implementing free hits in Test cricket to reduce no-balls. This comment followed India's spinners bowling 10 no-balls during the ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Bahutule acknowledged the tendency for bowlers to overstep while trying to secure wickets and emphasized that the team is actively working to improve this issue. He noted that bowlers are aware of their take-off points, and corrective measures are being implemented in practice sessions.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•India's spinners bowled 10 no-balls in the ongoing Test against Sri Lanka.
•Bahutule's comments came after the fourth day's play on August 27, 2026.
•No team desires to bowl no-balls, as they lead to extra runs.
•The issue of overstepping occurs when bowlers push for wickets.
•Bahutule confirmed remedial work is ongoing in team practice sessions.

Latest Updates

8:00 AMYahoo Sports — Free hits in Tests can fix no-ball issue: India coach

What they're saying

"
"I am no guardian of the rules but if a free-hit comes, obviously, no-balls will definitely be reduced. No team would want to bowl those no-balls and give that extra ball and give those extra runs," said Bahutule after the fourth day's play on Wednesday.
— Yahoo Sports

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