‘We need to do something before bowlers go extinct’ – Sachin Tendulkar suggests changes to ODI cricket

Veteran cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has put forward a proposal to reshape one-day international cricket in response to concerns about the balance between batting and bowling. The former India batsman believes the current format has tilted too heavily in favour of batsmen, creating an imbalance that threatens the viability of fast bowling in the sport.

During a Reddit Ask Me Anything session on Tuesday, November 3, Tendulkar outlined his vision for reforming the 50-over format. His suggestion centres on a structural change that would give both teams equal opportunity to bat and bowl under varying conditions while maintaining the traditional contest between bat and ball.

“My suggestion is simple. Split the 50 overs into two innings of 25 each. But keep 10 wickets for the full 50 overs and use just one ball throughout.” Tendulkar said.

The legendary cricketer believes that this is one of the ways to keep the competition between bat and ball on even terms. He also added that it could balance the game and most importantly, help bowlers stay relevant in white-ball cricket.

“That way the contest between bat and ball stays alive, and both teams get to bat and bowl under the dew. It balances the game for both sides. We need to do something before bowlers go extinct!” he added.

How would Tendulkar’s format change work?

The proposal divides the match into two distinct phases of 25 overs each. Under Tendulkar’s plan, the 10 wickets would remain available across the entire 50-over span rather than being reset after the first innings. Using a single ball throughout the match would mean the ball’s condition would evolve naturally across both phases, creating different challenges for batsmen and bowlers at different stages.

The former India batter’s concern about the extinction of bowlers reflects a broader debate in cricket about the modern game’s direction. The suggestion to allow both teams to experience batting and bowling under dew conditions addresses a known disadvantage in traditional ODI cricket, where the team batting second often faces a wet ball that becomes difficult to grip and control.

The use of one ball across both innings would create a progression in playing conditions. Early in the match, the ball would be new and favour fast bowlers. As the innings progressed, the ball would age and potentially offer more assistance to spinners or reverse-swing specialists, then reset in character as it entered the second phase under dew conditions.