The 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen a dramatic shift in the balance between batters and bowlers. High-scoring matches have become common, with batsmen frequently hitting sixes. This trend has sparked significant debate within the cricketing community.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri criticized bowlers for complaining about these high scores, urging them to focus on better execution. Harshal Patel of the Punjab Kings echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the evolution of the game. He believes that even without the “Impact Player” rule, batsmen would still dominate due to flat pitches and short boundaries.
Despite these challenges, South African coach Gary Kirsten emphasized the need for balance, particularly during the Powerplay, a period that often exposes bowlers. Anil Kumble, the legendary leg-spinner, suggested larger boundaries and more pronounced seams on white balls to restore equilibrium. However, the dominance of bat over ball remains a central theme in IPL 2024.
Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli has also joined the chorus against the ‘Impact Player’ rule, which allows teams to substitute a player during the match, much like football. Kohli believes this rule disrupts the balance of the game and agrees with India skipper Rohit Sharma, who recently expressed concerns about its impact on the development of all-rounders in India.
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Kohli said,“Entertainment is one aspect of the game but there is no balance. I think it has disrupted the balance and a lot of people are feeling this way, not just me.” He said that the rule allows teams to field an extra batter, which has led to unprecedented high scores, including Sunrisers Hyderabad breaking the record for the highest total in IPL history twice.
Additionally, Punjab Kings achieved the highest successful chase in T20 history by scoring 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders. Kohli noted the toll on bowlers, with the 250-mark breached eight times this season. “Bowlers are feeling like what they should do,” he said, highlighting the immense pressure on them in this high-scoring environment.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah acknowledged the concerns and mentioned that the ‘Impact Player’ rule is a test case designed to give more opportunities to players. He assured that the board would review the rule with stakeholders to find a solution that balances the game.
Kohli concluded, “As a batsman, I can say this rule is good, but the match should be exciting. Only fours and sixes are not exciting in cricket. Exciting is that you can defend 160 as well.” The IPL 2024 continues to spark debate, but the quest for balance between bat and ball remains a priority.
