‘The laws are changed by MCC’ – Sunil Gavaskar advocates for rule change post Rohit Sharma’s dismissal on Sunday

Former India batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has asked MCC to do away with a major rule after Rohit Sharma’s dismissal on Sunday. Speaking on commentary, Mr. Gavaskar has urged MCC to let the batters cross over while a catch is being completed. That rule was done away with few years ago and the new rules state that the batter coming has to take strike. 

Mr. Gavaskar said “The laws are changed by MCC. At the moment, the laws are with the MCC. It's a private club that makes the laws of international games all over the world. And I do believe that there should be some international experience there. Maybe some former captains should be there”

The 75-year-old also said “Just giving a few names. Graeme Smith, Rahul Dravid – somebody who's been a recent coach. Ricky Ponting has been around. These are the people who I believe should be in that laws committee. You need playing experience over there and the committee that is there, I am not too sure there is international experience,"

Sunil Gavaskar fails to grasp need to change rule 

Former India batter Sunil Gavaskar during his commentary also wondered the reason behind the rule changes. The 75-year-old added, “I don't know whether there was a reason to change this law that the non-striker would no longer be on strike if the players crossed ends and the batter who played the ball was out caught. I just think that was such an important television aspect too." 

Meanwhile, Mr. Gavaskar also took a playful swipe at former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi. Rohit Sharma hit seven sixes in his innings which now puts Indian skipper in touching distance with Afridi as far as six hitting record in ODI is concerned. Afridi has hit 351 sixes while Rohit has hit 338. Mr. Gavaskar said, “If Rohit Sharma closes in the gap then Shahid Afridi might be tempted to come out of retirement.”

With just one more match left in the series, the Men in Blue will look to close the series on a high. This will be followed by the massive Champions Trophy 2025 campaign where India begin their tournament against Bangladesh. This will be followed by the huge game against Pakistan before their final league game against New Zealand.