New league and new format take time to adjust: Sharath

While time-outs have vanished, every player is allowed to take a ‘towel break’ only once during a game. Adding to that, a rule that a player has to resume/start his serve within 10 seconds after a rally adds to the pace of the game. 

Tamil Nadu’s A Sharath Kamal, who played two matches (singles and mixed doubles), said the new rules will take some time getting used to. Asked whether the rules are changed for the good — to sustain intensity and momentum, Sharath said it wasn’t an easy task. 

“For instance, there were a couple of especially long rallies. We were still breathing heavy but had to serve already. 

It’s just that we are not used to it. Many times, you are still bouncing the ball, preparing yourself,” he said. “Normally, there is no time limit as such. You can walk around a little and all that, but you just cannot delay the play,” he added.

When asked if the rule can become a concern, he said, “This was the first match. So, probably, in the next couple of days, we’ll know what the other players think as well.” 

Sharath said the format of a match is such that one will prefer to serve after winning the toss. “In general, when you win the toss, you receive. But here you need to serve. Because, if it comes to 10-all in the third game (there are three games to a match with 11 points for each game), it’s better that you serve then. That’s the better position to be in. It’s just little things like these that’ll take getting used to,” he remarked.