India’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule proposed introducing free hits in Test cricket, in half-jest, to tackle the problem of bowling no-balls after India’s spinners delivered 10 no-balls in the ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.“I am no guardian of the rules but if a free-hit comes, obviously, no-balls will definitely be reduced. No team would want to bowl those no-balls and give that extra ball and give those extra runs,” said Bahutule after the fourth day’s play on Wednesday.India’s 10 no-balls were the most bowled by a spin attack since 2021, with Afghanistan heading the list with 14.Bahutule said the issue was being addressed within the team. “Obviously, the take-off point is talked about. They understand what is happening and definitely a process will be put forward in terms of minimising,” he said.Bahutule admitted overstepping was an issue that often occurred when bowlers pushed for wickets, and said remedial work continued during India’s practice sessions.“It is something which we have been working on. It is definitely a concern at times. But when the bowler is putting in that effort and tries to get a wicket in situations where wickets have not been coming, he has a tendency to push himself, but that is not an excuse. A lot of work though has been put in with (Ravindra) Jadeja, with Saransh (Jain), about where the take-off point is and where it should be. But sometimes, the effort they put in for that particular delivery is a bit more and they tend to overstep. I’m sure they will rectify it and get better,” the India spin bowling coach asserted.
