ICC T20 World Cup 2022: "That's Something I'm Sure Will Get Discussed In The Next Committee Meeting"- Anil Kumble On Whether Teams Should Be Permitted To Alter Their Starting Lineups

Faf du Plessis, Anil Kumble, and Andy Flower, T20 Time Out specialists for ESPNcricinfo, believe that if the weather stops play after the toss but before a ball is bowled, teams should be permitted to alter their starting lineup. 

Teams would be able to pitch their strongest XI for a rain-shortened match, according to Anil Kumble, Andy Flower, and former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, all of whom have substantial coaching experience in T20 competitions. 

The conversation took place while South Africa and Zimbabwe waited to begin their Super 12 match following the coin toss due to rain in Hobart. After Zimbabwe decided to bat, the game was subsequently shortened to nine overs for each side.

Anil Kumble Feels It’s Right To Alter Team After Toss If Rain Shortens Playing Time, Andy Flower Agrees

“That’s something I’m sure will get discussed in the next committee meeting, especially in this format,” Anil Kumble responded when questioned about whether alterations to the starting XIs after the toss should be permitted in certain circumstances. 

“In a game like this, where the toss has happened, the teams have been announced, it could eventually be a five-over game, so yes.” 

However, according to Anil Kumble, both teams were aware of the presence of rain prior to the toss and would have planned accordingly. 

The ideal combination for a five- or six-over match will differ from the best combination for a 20-over match, according Andy Flower, the coach of the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022. 

“What the fans want to see is the best contest between the best two elevens, and if the best two elevens need to be altered slightly given that the match changes to a five or a six-over game, then the fans would like to see the best elevens take each other on,” Flower said.

“I don’t see why sticking with the status quo makes particular sense. I’d like someone to explain that to me if possible at some stage.” 

Rule Change Will Be Nice For The Fans: Faf du Plessis

The RCB captain in the IPL, Du Plessis, stated that the prospective rule modification will benefit the spectators. 

“From a captaincy perspective, it’s quite a decision-making process when there’s rain around,” he said.

“From a captain’s point of view, you try and push the umpires to say let’s wait for the toss, because you do want to pick the right team if it gets affected by the rain. 

“In terms of the rule change, I think it will be nice, especially for the fans, to see team changes and stuff after the toss.” 

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