Gavaskar Criticises DLS Method, Calls for Fairer Rain-Affected Match Calculations

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has sharply criticised the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method for adjusting targets in rain-affected matches, following India's seven-wicket defeat to Australia in the rain-curtailed opening ODI on October 19, 2025. The game at Optus Stadium was reduced to 26 overs per side due to multiple interruptions, with India managing 136/9 after batting first. Under DLS calculations, Australia's revised target was set at 131, a mere five-run adjustment that allowed the hosts to cruise to victory in just 21.1 overs, led by Mitchell Marsh's unbeaten 46. Gavaskar's remarks, aired on India Today, highlight ongoing debates over the method's fairness, especially in high-stakes international fixtures where weather can dramatically alter outcomes.

Introduced in 1999 and refined over the years, the DLS method aims to level playing fields by factoring in overs lost and wickets remaining, but it has long drawn flak for its complexity and perceived biases. Gavaskar, a former opener and two-time World Cup winner, argued that the system's opacity undermines its credibility. "I don't think too many people understand that method, but it's been there for a long time," he said. He advocated for the V Jayadevan (VJD) method, developed by Indian engineer V. Jayadevan in 2004, which he believes offers greater equity by incorporating run rates more dynamically.

Notably, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) employs the VJD variant in domestic tournaments, a point Gavaskar raised to underscore its potential for broader adoption. "There was an Indian who had come up with the VJD method, which I thought was a lot better because it made things even for both the teams," he added, urging the International Cricket Council (ICC) to reconsider its protocols.

The critique gained resonance in the context of the match, where India's top order crumbled against Australia's pace attack—Rohit Sharma scored 8, Virat Kohli a golden duck, and Shubman Gill 10—leaving the side reliant on a gritty 39-run stand between KL Rahul (38) and Axar Patel (31). Australia's chase, adjusted via DLS, exposed the method's nuances, as the hosts lost just three wickets despite the shortened format. Gavaskar's call for reform echoes sentiments from players and analysts who argue that such systems can inadvertently favour the team batting second, particularly in day-night games where dew plays a role. With the ICC set to review playing conditions ahead of the 2027 World Cup, his comments could spark renewed discussions on balancing tradition with technological precision in cricket's unpredictable elements.

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Despite the setback, Gavaskar remained optimistic about India's prospects in the three-match series, emphasising the pedigree of its batting stalwarts. "India is a very, very good team. India won the Champions Trophy about four to five months ago. Don't be surprised if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli score big in the next two games," he predicted, attributing their modest returns to rust after a brief hiatus from ODIs. He highlighted the value of net sessions with reserve bowlers, forecasting totals of 300-320 if the duo regains form. As India prepares for the second ODI in Adelaide on October 23, Gavaskar's blend of tactical insight and encouragement underscores his enduring influence, reminding fans that even in defeat, the blueprint for dominance lies in adaptability and resilience.

Also Read: Kohli, Rohit’s Comeback Faces Rain Scare as India Take on Australia in Perth