There is a definite turnaround in the IPL. The bowlers, once considered mere cannon fodder, are asserting themselves.
Excepting a couple of instances of individual brilliance, the batsmen have largely struggled to run up scores in excess of 200. It is also interesting to note the number of last over finishes. If one were to ignore the performance of the Deccan Chargers, they are establishing a record of sorts, they reflect in favor of the bowlers.
Now what caused this turnaround in the bowler's fortune?
Can we attribute it to the departure of a fair number of overseas players? On the other hand, should we attribute the turnaround to the pitches on offer?
Undoubtedly, both factors have a bearing, but one can credit it to the number of league matches in the IPL. By now, we would have witnessed a winner in other Twenty20 tournaments whereas in the IPL even after 20 games we are yet to identify the semifinalists.
The unwieldy tournament has worked in the bowlers favor. It has given the bowlers ample time to stage a smart recovery from the initial 'shock and awe' of brutal manhandling from the batsmen.
At the same time, it has proved detrimental to the batsmen. The sheer number of matches means that the batsmen are under pressure to blaze away every other innings. Hence, batsmen take more risks, which in turn increase the number of failures. No wonder the bowlers are asserting themselves.
13 comments:
Ott,
The wickets will play a vital role in how teams progress.. Every venue is hosting 7 games with very little gaps between the games.. Given that this is summer, I dont know what the extent of the pitch preparation is..Given this, I expect the spinners to come center stage as the second half of the tourney commences..
One other factor that may have an indirect bearing on the batting - the travel.. With teams having to play literally every other day, I think it is taking a toll on the batsmen.. I also expect the front line bowlers to drop off as we come to the playoffs...
Again, watch out for the spinners..
Cheers
agree homer...
another thing which is helping bowlers is...we are already seeing boundaries getting restored to original levels...
though its small factor but goes long way to assure bowlers...ask them...
Ottayan,
Also the efrects of Experience curve(i.e. if you do something again and again, you learn the better way to do that) is coming to effect..
- Robin
robin
by that account scores should have been touching 300 by now?
Homer,
With you on this.
Pan,
Excepting Mohali, most other grounds have normal boundaries.
However, that is also a point to consider.
Robin,
As Pan said the same should hold true for batsmen.
that's hard to tell... the feeling here for me is the quality in the imports who just left.
Scorpi,
Their departure has evened things out for the bowlers.
U said it otty
The batsmen are in tearing hurry to justify the millions placed on their heads. Nobody would like to be dropped for non performance in IPL .Now, the fancied teams are getting a royal pasting.Unless the players in these teams do well they may get the boot.
Yesterday's game (between banglore and Mohali) was played on another bowler friendly surface. It is interesting how quality is evident when matches are played on wickets with a little bit of assistance for the bowlers. Dravid played an absolute gem while Jaywardene and Sarwan looked good. Didnt see Yuvraj smashin too many sizes though.
They play on a batting paradise with boundaries at midwicket cover and long on. A snick getting carried over the ropes is not good cricket.The spectators will lose interst if the mauling continues. For the records abt 250 sixes have already been hit till now.
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