Sunil Gavaskar wants bat and ball to do the talking

Sunil Gavaskar MS Dhoni

Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has said that players should let their bat and ball do the talking rather than sledging. The current India-England series has been hit by a massive controversy as James Anderson and Ravindra Jadeja have been involved in a spat.

Sledging has become more common in recent times, as most international teams have resorted to sledging. But sometimes the cricketers cross the line and this is where they need to be careful. The former Indian opener has now given his balanced opinion on the same and suggested that sledging is not the right way forward.

He said, “What we saw on the field of play is that there was some talking going on between the two players but what happened inside the dressing room or leading up into the dressing room is something that the TV cameras also don't have. The point I would like to make is that before the start of every series or before the start of every match, there is a meeting between the match referee and the captains and coaches and I think if over there (in the meetings), the match referee was strong enough to say to both the teams that I just want your bat and ball to do the talking and no other talking (will be allowed), that could make things a lot easier.”

Gavaskar also drew parallels with his own playing days and added that youngsters watching have now become used to sledging now, which is not suitable for the growth of the game. He added: “Honest to God, I have played more than one Test match and a bit of chatting was never a situation. There was maybe the odd occasion when the bowler got a bit carried away, but it was nothing like what we see today. That is unfortunate because youngsters watching it on television think it's par for the course.”

Gavaskar also believes that sledging is not good for cricket and should not be encouraged in any form. He believes that many players have got away with it and this is not correct.

“Honestly what I feel is that a lot of players make excuses ‘Oh that's (sledging) good for the game’. No that is not good for the game, that has never been good for the game and to say that it is part of the game is also totally incorrect. A lot of people have got away (with abusing) but this is not part of the game,” the 65-year old added.