India’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule suggested introducing the "free-hit" rule to Test cricket, following Day 4 of the second Test match against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

This unconventional recommendation was made to address a recurring lack of discipline within the Indian spin bowling unit.

India's spin attack overstepped 10 times in the ongoing Colombo Test match alone. Senior left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja bowled 4 no-balls across both innings, while debutant Saransh Jain was responsible for 6.

Speaking to media after the day’s play, Bahutule noted that bowlers frequently overstep in match scenarios out of pure desperation, over-exerting themselves to manufacture a breakthrough when a partnership is building.

"It is something which we have been working on. It is definitely a concern at times. But when the bowler is putting in that effort and gets a wicket in situations where wickets are not coming, he has a tendency to push himself, but that is not an excuse," Bahutule told reporters.

"But a lot of work has been put in with (Ravindra) Jadeja, with Saransh (Jain), about where the take-off point is. But sometimes, the effort they put in for that particular delivery is a bit more and they tend to overstep. I am sure they will rectify it and get better," he added.

The white-ball "free-hit" rule enforces that a batter cannot be dismissed (except by run-out) on the delivery following a front-foot no-ball. Bahutule argued that imposing this heavy penalty in Test cricket would act as an immediate psychological deterrent.

"I am no guardian of the rules but if a free-hit comes, obviously, no-balls will definitely be reduced. No team would want to bowl those no-balls and give that extra ball and give those extra runs,” he opined.

Bahutule said coaches are actively monitoring take-off points during training sessions. "Obviously, the take-off point is talked about. They understand what is happening and definitely a process will be put forward in terms of minimizing."

Bahutule also stated that the coaching staff and bowlers are very serious about correcting the no-ball issue and treat every net session like real matches.

"I think the reminders are given during nets also. It is similar to a match situation. We take every session seriously and it is monitored from the side.

"Sometimes, I stay as an umpire and sometimes the other coaches stand as umpires. We are monitoring spinners and fast bowlers. So, we definitely give importance to it and work in progress," he remarked.

(With PTI Inputs)