This season has seen Sunrisers Hyderabad twice break the IPL scoring record with staggering totals of 277 and 287 runs. As they face the Rajasthan Royals on Friday for a spot in the final, the conversation pivots on whether such high scores enhance or detract from the sport.
Veteran cricket journalist Ayaz Memon voiced concerns that the barrage of runs might be diluting the essence of cricket. “People love to watch sixes and fours,” Memon told AFP. “But beyond that, they also like a good contest.”
A significant factor contributing to these towering scores is the impact player rule, introduced last year. This rule allows teams to replace a player from the starting lineup at any point after the toss, enabling teams batting first to include an extra big-hitter, who can then be substituted for a bowler during fielding. Critics argue that this rule has upset the delicate balance between bat and ball, fundamental to cricket’s appeal.
Additionally, flatter pitches and shorter boundaries have exacerbated the batting dominance. Bowlers have struggled, particularly during the powerplay when only two fielders are allowed outside the inner circle. Memon remarked, “If it gets too lopsided in favor of batsmen, it can get a little predictable — in that the bowlers have a reduced role.”
Even top players like Virat Kohli, who leads the tournament’s batting charts with 741 runs, have acknowledged the need for balance. “There needs to be a balance between bat and ball,” Kohli said.
Young talents like Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk and England’s Will Jacks have thrived under these conditions, boasting strike rates of over 234 and 175, respectively. However, India’s premier spin bowler Ravichandran Ashwin believes attributing the high scores solely to the impact sub rule is unfair. “Even if the impact player rule wasn’t there, scores would be this high,” Ashwin argued. He noted that standardised pitches have boosted batters’ confidence.
Looking ahead to the World Cup, some players, including Australia’s David Warner, predict a different dynamic. Warner, who has extensive experience in the Caribbean Premier League, anticipates that the pitches in the West Indies will favor bowlers. “They can be slower and they’re gonna turn a bit,” Warner explained. He also pointed out that day games in the Caribbean will introduce natural elements that could influence the matches.
As the IPL concludes and the cricketing world shifts its focus to the World Cup, the debate over the future of T20 cricket and the balance between bat and ball continues to evolve.
Afsheen Gohar believes in the power of clear, straightforward writing. Her blog posts tackle everyday topics with relatable insights and easy-to-follow advice. With a conversational style, she makes complex subjects feel understandable. She’s dedicated to sharing knowledge and empowering readers to take action. Find her latest posts on trending in social.
