Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has recently suggested removing the free hit from the game but India off-spinner R Ashwin disagrees saying it is a “great marketing tool and has captured the imagination of the fans”. The veteran off-spinner however, suggested that the bowlers should also get a ”free ball” every time a batsman leaves the non-striker’s end early before the ball is bowled.

Taking to Twitter, Ashwin wrote: “Come on @sanjaymanjrekar, free hit is a great marketing tool and has captured the imagination of all the fans. Let’s add a free ball for the bowlers every time a batter leaves the non strikers end early, a wicket of that ball will reduce 10 runs of the bowlers analysis and total.”

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In another tweet, R Ashwin added: “Remember: “you are supposed to leave the crease only after the ball leaves the hand.”

Remember: “you are supposed to leave the crease only after the ball leaves the hand”

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) May 28, 2021

Having said that, Manjrekar had also shared the link of his column in his tweet where he proposed the removal of a free hit. His tweet read: The tweet read: “Hi guys, tell me what you think about some aspects of the game mentioned in this column that have me peeved a little bit. Also let me know what rule changes you would make to better your viewing experience. Will retweet the interesting ones.”

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Ashwin is currently undergoing the mandatory quarantine with the rest of the India’s Test squad in Mumbai ahead of the England tour. The team will be locking horns with New Zealand in the World Test Championship before taking on England in a five-match Test series. The men’s and women’s teams will take a charter on June 2 as the women’s team will clash with England across all three formats.