Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar has expressed strong opposition to the BCCI’s removal of the toss from the Col CK Nayudu Trophy over the past two seasons. The veteran cricketer believes the decision undermines a fundamental aspect of the game and has urged the board to reinstate the toss mechanism from the upcoming season.
In May 2024, BCCI secretary Jay Shah announced that the toss would be eliminated from the men’s under-23 tournament during the 2024-25 season, with the visiting team instead given the option to choose whether to bat or bowl first. This decision was intended to discourage home teams from preparing pitches specifically designed to suit their playing strengths. The move marked the first time the toss had been scrapped in Indian domestic cricket.
“It’s absolutely wrong to do away with the toss in U-23 matches. The element of toss brings a different charm and excitement to a cricket match,” Vengsarkar was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
Why does Vengsarkar oppose the toss elimination?
Vengsarkar emphasised that both teams operate under identical pitch and weather conditions, and that a well-constructed squad should possess the adaptability to succeed regardless of circumstances. He stressed that the toss introduces a crucial strategic element to cricket that cannot be replicated by simply handing the visiting team a predetermined choice. The former captain argued that this unpredictability is an integral part of the sport’s appeal.
“The wicket and conditions are the same for both teams. If you play a balanced team, you can cope with any conditions. And what happens if you make a wicket to suit your strength, but lose the toss? A toss adds a different, but necessary dimension to a cricket game,” Vengsarkar said.
Vengsarkar further highlighted that uncertainty in decision-making is itself a valuable aspect of cricket strategy. He reiterated his position that the BCCI should reverse its policy and bring back the toss mechanism for the under-23 competition in the next season.
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“Sometimes, when you are not sure about whether to bat or bowl first, it could be a good toss to lose. The BCCI should reintroduce the toss in its U-23 tournament from the next season. There’s no question about it,” Vengsarkar said.
The England and Wales Cricket Board had previously removed the toss from the County Championship between 2016 and 2019, only to restore it in 2020. This precedent from international cricket demonstrates that eliminating the toss may not provide a lasting solution to the concerns the BCCI sought to address through its policy change.
