Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has introduced a new dimension to street cricket by integrating the concept of reverse swing into the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL). Commonly played with a tennis ball, street cricket is a widely popular informal variant of the game in India. Tendulkar’s innovative approach involves taping one side of the tennis ball to emulate the reverse swing effect seen with the traditional leather cricket ball.
During my playing days, I used to tape the ball up from one side. In season (leather) balls, we look for the shiny and the rough side and in the tennis ball, we would apply tape on one side and I used to practice reverse swing to face it in international cricket. I thought why not introduce it in this format and if this is implemented then the batter’s technique will also be tested,”
Reverse swing, a skillful technique where an older ball moves through the air opposite to its seam position, is traditionally associated with seasoned leather cricket balls in professional matches. By adapting this method to the tennis ball cricket often played in the streets, Tendulkar hopes to enrich the playing experience and enhance skill development at the grassroots level.
By integrating the technique of reverse swing into the informal cricket scene, Tendulkar is not only avoiding the aesthetics of tradition but is also bridging the gap between street cricket and the professional sport. His contribution is sure to enhance the quality of cricket played in streets and backyards, developing the skills of young players who dream of emulating their heroes on the international stage.
