Gautam Gambhir Feels ICC Must Come Up With An Alternative For Saliva Ban

Former Indian opening batsman Gautam Gambhir is the latest has shared his views on the post-COVID-19 world on cricket. One of the topics, which has been under discussion the most is how the bowlers would operate in case saliva and sweat is prohibited from use to shine the ball. Gautam Gambhir also gave his take on the mindset of every athlete after sport resumes.

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At the moment, cricketing activities have been entirely suspended. The last international match took place in March between Australia and New Zealand at Sydney Cricket Ground, which the hosts won. While sports like football have marginally resumed, it remains uncertain when international cricket would resume following the widespread health concerns.

The potential saliva and sweat ban to shine the ball has garnered plenty of debates among several cricketers all around. Reportedly, the Coronavirus can infect and quickly spread through droplets or bodily fluids of a person. If the same comes in contact with the ball, it becomes a health hazard. While sweat may prevail, saliva may face a moratorium with the ICC already submitting a recommendation for the same.

Hence, Gautam Gambhir feels the need for ICC to bring an alternative for saliva and sweat to assist the bowlers in shining the ball that helps in generate swing. Cricket, which has already become slightly favourable towards batsmen may add an extra layer of strength for batsmen in case the usage of saliva comes to a halt.

“It will be the hardest thing for the bowlers. The ICC has to come up with an alternative. Without shining the ball, I don’t think it will be an even contest between both bat and ball. If they don’t allow using saliva, they will have to come up with an alternative to help the bowlers shine the ball. It’s going to be very important otherwise there would be no fun watching cricket.” Gautam Gambhir said as quoted by Times of India.

There will be little apprehensions when they go out and play: Gautam Gambhir

The 38-year old went on to talk about the mental state of the cricketers when they resume their regular service on the field. The retired batsman remarked that the tensions would linger in the early days; however, it would ease out during some delicate situation in the match and the will to go and play triumphs everything.

“It depends from individual to individual. But yes there will be apprehensions, when they go out and play. Probably after some time, it will go in the heat of the game once players are on the pitch and will ease into the game and the excitement to be out and playing.” the cricketer turned politican added.

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