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“It’s Absolutely Imperative…”: Sunil Gavaskar Urges BCCI to Make One Big Change Before ODI World Cup 2027
The Indian batting legend wants the BCCI to increase boundary sizes during the domestic and international home season, believing it will better prepare Team India for the larger grounds awaiting them at the 2027 ODI World Cup.
With less than a year to go before the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to make a crucial change that could significantly improve Team India’s preparation.
The former India captain believes increasing boundary sizes at Indian venues should become an immediate priority, arguing that it will help Indian batters adapt to the larger grounds they are expected to encounter in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, the three host nations for the next 50-over World Cup.
Why Gavaskar wants bigger boundaries in India
According to Gavaskar, one of the biggest differences between cricket in India and the upcoming World Cup venues is the size of the playing fields.
Indian stadiums often feature comparatively shorter boundaries, encouraging aggressive stroke play and high-scoring matches. However, grounds in southern Africa are generally much larger, demanding better shot selection, running between the wickets, and patience from batters.
Writing in his Sportstar column, Gavaskar said the BCCI should make full use of the available space around the boundary ropes.“It’s absolutely imperative, when the new Indian season begins, to get the boundary sizes increased so that our batters get used to that before the World Cup next year.”
He pointed out that many stadiums have enough unused space behind the LED advertising boards, which could be utilised to push the boundary ropes further back without affecting spectators or infrastructure.
Smart batting, not just power-hitting
Beyond larger boundaries, Gavaskar also emphasised that India’s ODI approach needs to evolve.
He believes modern batters should avoid attacking every bowler indiscriminately and instead identify weaker bowlers who can be targeted while respecting the stronger ones.
According to the batting great, every bowling attack has phases where scoring becomes easier, and successful ODI teams are those that capitalise on those opportunities instead of taking unnecessary risks.
He added that even while chasing imposing totals of 380 or more, there is enough time in a 50-over innings to settle before launching an all-out assault.
Shot selection remains the biggest weapon
Gavaskar stressed that good shot selection is still the foundation of successful ODI batting.
He advised batters to play according to the situation rather than trying to maintain an aggressive image throughout an innings.
While acknowledging that T20 cricket often demands continuous attacking strokes, he said the 50-over format offers players the opportunity to assess conditions before accelerating.
According to Gavaskar, patience and discipline remain just as valuable as power-hitting in one-day cricket.
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India looking to bounce back in ODIs
India’s most recent ODI assignment ended in disappointment after Shubman Gill’s side suffered a 3-0 series defeat against England.
The Men in Blue will return to 50-over cricket in September 2026, beginning an important stretch of home fixtures that could serve as the ideal testing ground for Gavaskar’s proposed changes.
India are scheduled to host West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe before travelling to the 2027 World Cup.
India’s ODI home schedule before the 2027 World Cup
West Indies Tour of India
- 1st ODI: September 27, 2026 – Trivandrum
- 2nd ODI: September 30, 2026 – Guwahati
- 3rd ODI: October 3, 2026 – New Chandigarh
Sri Lanka Tour of India
- 1st ODI: December 13, 2026 – Delhi
- 2nd ODI: December 16, 2026 – Bengaluru
- 3rd ODI: December 19, 2026 – Ahmedabad
Zimbabwe Tour of India
- 1st ODI: January 3, 2027 – Kolkata
- 2nd ODI: January 6, 2027 – Hyderabad
- 3rd ODI: January 9, 2027 – Mumbai
A timely suggestion ahead of two global tournaments
Gavaskar’s recommendation extends beyond the 2027 ODI World Cup.
With the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup set to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand, where grounds are also known for their larger dimensions, the legendary batter believes Indian cricket must prepare its players for conditions they will face overseas rather than those they are accustomed to at home.
Whether the BCCI adopts the suggestion remains to be seen, but Gavaskar’s message is clear—if India wants to maximise its chances of lifting the next two ICC trophies, preparation must begin long before the team boards the flight.
