Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar is named among the all-time greats. During his time he was the top batsman from the Indian side. Gavaskar is known for a strong presence on social, he is bold enough to point out things he doesn’t like in cricket matches or cricketers.
Many times he has been seen headlining the news due to his bold comments. However this time Gavaskar has come up with his opinions on the newest format of the game of cricket; The Hundred.
The Hundred is a franchise cricket game which is commenced by England and Wales Cricket Board. In this format, the 6-balls in over format has been abolished, as there is no term like over. The match consist of a total of 100 balls and a change, in the end, occurs after 10 balls. Also, bowlers have been given the privilege to deliver 10 consecutive balls in a match.
Congratulations to Monday's @CazooUK Match Heroes! 👏
What a day of #TheHundred action we've enjoyed! pic.twitter.com/S81XrjjTsc
— The Hundred (@thehundred) July 26, 2021
However, a ball can either choose to ball 10 consecutive balls or 5 ball bursts. Adding to it The maximum number of deliveries allowed to be bowled by a bowler is 20. The new format of the game has received mixed reactions from fans on social media. Many believe it’s good for attracting more audience while others believe the new format is actually bad.
” As far as first impressions go, it`s not been a great one” – Sunil Gavaskar
Meanwhile, Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar is in the United Kingdom. Notably, Gavaskar is currently part of the commentary team of the India vs England 5 match Test series. Former Indian cricketer wrote in his fortnightly column which appeared in mid-day on Monday. Also, Gavaskar asserted The Hundred cricket league is insipid.
“Having seen it on TV, the only word that comes to mind is insipid. The cricket is ordinary and the coverage average with basic mistakes in player information which, if made in the sub-continent, would have been mocked at especially by the former England players, not to speak of the headlines that the tabloids would have generated. The former players are raving about the crowds but here too as yet the fierce loyalty of the franchise fans is not seen. Maybe, the experience at the ground is different but as far as first impressions go, it`s not been a great one.”
Sunil Gavaskar compared exclusive The Hundred league with Indian Premier League (IPL). He opined that IPL was a take-off on the very first match of the league. However, The Hundred hasn’t got a great start like IPL. He feels that it will take time for The Hundred to blow up and get into the heart of cricket fans.
“Unlike the IPL, which was given a vertical take-off by Brendon McCullum’s incredible innings in the very first match, The Hundred hadn`t quite got that and so may take a little more time to get the hearts of the spectators,” he wrote.