As the IPL 2025 season continues to shatter records for six-hitting, concerns are growing among cricket experts about the imbalance between bat and ball—especially in the T20 format’s high-scoring environment.
Legendary batter and commentator Sunil Gavaskar has stepped into the debate with a pointed suggestion that could offer bowlers much-needed relief. His proposed adjustment doesn’t involve changing bowling styles or field restrictions—but rather boundary dimensions.
“While the batters’ approach in the Powerplay has changed drastically, what hasn’t changed is the size of the boundaries,” Gavaskar said.
“This despite there being more space beyond the LED advertising boards which can be pushed almost to the fence,” he continued.
“So often we see sixers just clearing the boundary line, which could well result in a dismissal if the LED boards were pushed back and with it the boundary lines by a few metres, which could well give the bowlers a wicket instead of a six against their names.” Gavaskar said.
His comments come at a time when bowlers are being hammered for sixes with unprecedented frequency. The IPL has seen a record-breaking rise in sixes this season, with flat pitches, shorter boundaries, and powerful bats combining to make it a batter’s paradise—and a bowler’s nightmare.
Gavaskar’s logic rests on the observation that many sixes barely clear the ropes, and with boundary lines artificially shortened due to advertising boards, small margins are converting potential dismissals into runs.
The former India captain’s remarks have reignited the long-running conversation about whether T20 cricket has gone too far in favor of the batters. Several current and former players have called for a reassessment of pitch conditions, ball specifications, and now, boundary lengths.
By proposing a simple shift in the placement of LED boards—and with them, the boundary markers—Gavaskar believes bowlers could reclaim some much-needed balance in a format increasingly dominated by brute power.
While no official move has been made yet, his comments are likely to spark debate among IPL franchises, broadcasters, and administrators as they consider how to preserve the excitement of six-hitting while ensuring a fair contest between bat and ball.
For now, Gavaskar’s suggestion stands as one of the most practical and implementable ideas offered in the ongoing conversation around restoring parity in modern-day T20 cricket.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
