IPL 2020: Sachin Tendulkar wants helmet to be mandatory for batsmen, recalls Ravi Shastri's getting hit by Gavaskar

Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has tweeted to the International Cricket Committee (ICC) and other cricket board wanting the authorities to make the use of helmet mandatory for batsmen at a professional level.

The Indian batting maestro tweeted a video of an incident that took place on October 24 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the match between Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

During the game, Vijay Shankar was hit on the face by a throw from KXIP fielder Nicholas Pooran while the SRH batsman was reaching the crease to complete a run.

"The game has become faster but is it getting safer? Recently we witnessed an incident which could’ve been nasty. Be it a spinner or pacer, wearing a HELMET should be MANDATORY for batsmen at professional levels. Request @icc to take this up on priority".

The game has become faster but is it getting safer?

Recently we witnessed an incident which could’ve been nasty.

Be it a spinner or pacer, wearing a HELMET should be MANDATORY for batsmen at professional levels.

Request @icc to take this up on priority.https://t.co/7jErL3af0m

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 3, 2020

He recalled how Team India head coach Ravi Shastri was hit once on the head. He tweeted saying, "@RaviShastriOfc, this also reminded me of the time when you got hit after top-edging a full toss bowled by Mr Gavaskar during an exhibition game. That could’ve been a grave injury too but thankfully wasn’t!".

.@RaviShastriOfc, this also reminded me of the time when you got hit after top edging a full toss bowled by Mr. Gavaskar during an exhibition game. That could’ve been a grave injury too but thankfully wasn’t!

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 3, 2020

The demand to use helmets with extra protection like neck guard have been increased especially after Australian batsman Phil Hughes died in a Sheffield Shield game in November 2014.

The batsman was hit below the helmet on the left upper side of his neck by a delivery from Sean Abbott.