Gautam Gambhir picks Sachin Tendulkar over Virat Kohli as better batsman in view of changed rules of cricket
Former Indian cricketer turned politician Gautam Gambhir has picked Sachin Temdulkar over current captain Vrat Kohli as a better bastsman in the limited over fortmat, bearing in mind the changed rules of the game and Sachin’s longevity of career.
The Master Blaster, who retired from the game in 2013, featured in 463 ODIs and gathered 18,426 runs which includes 49 centuries at an average of 44.83.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli, has featured in 248 ODI matches and cumulated 11,867 runs with 43 hundreds at an average of 59.33.
"Sachin Tendulkar, because probably with one white ball and four fielders inside the circle, not five fielders outside, it will be Sachin Tendulkar for me," Gambhir said on Star Sports show 'Cricket Connected'.
These days, a one-day innings is played with two white balls and with three powerplays. In the first power play (overs 1-10), two fielders are allowed beyond the 30-yard circle, while in the second powerplay (overs 10-40) four fielders are allowed. In the last powerplay (overs 40-50), five fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle.
Gautam Gambhir, who was the super performer in World Cup 2011 final which India won, is of the opinion that change in rules has helped batsmen.
"It's difficult because Virat Kohli has done phenomenally well but I think the rules have changed as well, which has helped a lot of new batters," elaborated Gambhir, who played 58 Tests and 147 ODIs.
"The new generation, with 2 new balls, no reverse swing, nothing for the finger spin, five fielders inside for the 50 overs, probably that makes batting much easier.
Gambhir further said that he would also pick Sachin, in view of his longevity and flow of the ODI cricket.
"Probably I'll go with Sachin Tendulkar if we see the longevity and flow of the one-day cricket format.
"Look at how Sachin Tendulkar has played, different rules, that time 230 to 240, was a winning total," Gambhir said.
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