ODI Cricket might lose popularity after the 2023 ODI World Cup. There are various T20 leagues across the globe which is more interesting for the fans. However, ODI is a traditional format and has a lot of history. A few former cricketers have already talked about methods to make the tournament more interesting. On that note, here, we take a look at two drastic changes in the ODI format suggested by Indian legends which can revive interest in the format.
1) Sachin Tendulkar – Two innings of 25 overs each for both teams
Arguably the greatest cricketer to have played the format, Sachin Tendulkar has expressed his views about the format. The legend felt that if ODI can traverse the route of ‘Test Cricket’, it could become more interesting.
Since teams play a lot of T20 encounters and fans like this quick action, they could find interest in a 25-over inning for each side. The idea of a first-innings lead and the promise that the games won’t end in a draw would make this format very exciting for the viewers.
2) Ravi Shastri – Reduce ODIs to 40 overs per team
Ravi Shastri‘s suggestion is one of the drastic changes in the ODI format suggested by Indian legends which can revive interest in the format. Former India Head Coach Ravi Shastri opines that reducing 10 overs per side could be the way forward.
He opined that earlier, there were 60 overs in an ODI encounter. Later, they were reduced to 50 as the game grew. Similarly, in this era of T20 cricket, it won’t be a bad idea to have a 40-over ODI match. Also, this format will not be entirely new. Domestic games in a few countries have been played in this format before. It would just be that the international players have to get used to it.
