Sachin Tendulkar urges authorities to make helmets mandatory for batsmen

Sachin Tendulkar urges authorities to make helmets mandatory for batsmen
Sachin Tendulkar

Cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar, shared a video from the recent Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) vs Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) match in the ongoing IPL 2020.

In this video, SRH all-rounder Vijay Shankar got hit on the head by ball. KXIP fielder Nicholas Pooran threw it to the striker’s end attempting to run out the batsman. In it, Shankar is seen falling to the ground as physio rush to check on him. Fortunately, the 29 year old was wearing a helmet.

Batsmen have often complained that wearing helmets obstructed reflexes and found them distracting and uncomfortable. Frequently, batsmen are seen removing their helmets while facing spinners. However, highlighting player’s safety, Tendulkar posted, “Be it a spinner or pacer, wearing a HELMET should be MANDATORY for batsmen at professional levels.“

Prompted by IPL 2020 incident, Tendulkar posted it’s video highlighting the importance of wearing a helmet. He has also tagged International Cricket Council (ICC) in it as well and asked them to take up this issue “on priority“.

In another tweet, Tendulkar tagged Ravi Shastri recalling an accident where the India head coach was hit by full-toss bowled by Sunil Gavaskar in an exhibition match. He also tagged all the cricket boards including BCCI, Cricket Australia, England and Wales Cricket Board among others.

Philip Hughes: The tragic incident that triggered a debate on player’s safety

Philip Hughes

The tragic death of young Australian batsman, Philip Hughes, by being hit by a Sean Abbott bouncer in a domestic match sparked a debate on player’s safety.

The 25 year old was hit on the neck, just below the helmet. The tragic incident forced the manufacturers to redesign the helmets to enhance the safety of the batsmen.

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