Sunil Gavaskar criticizes free-hit proposal in Tests, suggests fines instead
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 30, 2026, 10:30 AM
Last updated Aug 30, 2026
Sunil Gavaskar has dismissed Sairaj Bahutule's suggestion for implementing free hits in Test cricket to address no-ball issues. Gavaskar argues that escalating fines for bowlers and their coaches would be a more effective solution, especially after India bowled 13 no-balls in a recent Test against Sri Lanka. He highlighted the need for urgent action to ensure discipline among bowlers, referencing the recurring problem of overstepping by players, particularly Ravindra Jadeja. Gavaskar's views were expressed during his Mid-Day column, emphasizing that simple measures, like accurately marking run-ups, should eliminate no-balls. He believes free hits would only make scoring too easy for batters and suggested substantial fines as a more balanced approach.
- •Sunil Gavaskar rejects free-hit idea for Test cricket.
- •Gavaskar advocates for fines following India's no-ball issues.
- •India bowled 13 no-balls in a recent Test against Sri Lanka.
- •Ravindra Jadeja has struggled with front-foot no-balls in recent games.
- •Gavaskar emphasizes the need for better discipline among bowlers.
- 11:28 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Please, let’s not’: Gavaskar rejects free-hit idea in Tests after India’s no-ball problem
- 10:30 AMYahoo Sports — 'Don't make run scoring easier in Tests': Sunil Gavaskar rejects Sairaj Bahutule's free-hit in Tests suggestion to curb no-ball
"Sunil Gavaskar stands firm against the introduction of free hits for no-balls in Test cricket, arguing that this practice offers batters unearned advantages. Instead, he suggests implementing financial penalties that escalate with repeated infractions, potentially involving the bowler’s coach. Furthermore, Gavaskar proposes that teams should have the authority to vote on additional penalties for on-field errors, encouraging a culture of accountability.
"Sunil Gavaskar rejected Sairaj Bahutule's free-hit proposal for Tests, urging escalating fines for bowlers and coaches instead.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 11:28 AM‘Please, let’s not’: Gavaskar rejects free-hit idea in Tests after India’s no-ball problem
Sunil Gavaskar stands firm against the introduction of free hits for no-balls in Test cricket, arguing that this practice offers batters unearned advantages. Instead, he suggests implementing financial penalties that escalate with repeated infractions, potentially involving the bowler’s coach. Furthermore, Gavaskar proposes that teams should have the authority to vote on additional penalties for on-field errors, encouraging a culture of accountability.
- Yahoo SportsAug 30, 2026, 10:30 AM'Don't make run scoring easier in Tests': Sunil Gavaskar rejects Sairaj Bahutule's free-hit in Tests suggestion to curb no-ball
Sunil Gavaskar rejected Sairaj Bahutule's free-hit proposal for Tests, urging escalating fines for bowlers and coaches instead.
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