In the ongoing IPL 2024 T20 cricket series, the battle between bat and ball has taken an unprecedented turn. Unlike previous seasons, this year has seen batsmen taking the game to a whole new level, leaving bowlers grappling for answers. The explosive hitting witnessed throughout the tournament has raised questions about the plight of bowlers in the face of such onslaught.
One of the standout moments of this IPL season came when Hyderabad scored a whopping 287 runs against Bengaluru, setting a new record for the highest team total in IPL history. But that was just the beginning. Hyderabad went on to set another record by scoring 100 runs in just 5 overs against Delhi. Similarly, Punjab chased down a mammoth target of 262 runs against Kolkata, creating yet another milestone in T20 cricket.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by bowlers this season, Mohammed Siraj of Hyderabad expressed his concerns. He highlighted several factors contributing to the bowlers’ woes, beyond the impact player rule. According to Siraj, flat pitches, smaller grounds with shorter boundary distances, and the lack of swing in the ball have all favored the batsmen this season.
“Cricket today has become very different. Nowadays, 250 – 260 runs are scored in every second match. 250 runs used to be rare. Now, various aspects have changed like smaller pitches, flat pitches, balls without swing. So, bowlers don’t get any help,” Siraj lamented.
The introduction of the impact player rule, which allows teams to field an extra batsman, has only added to the bowlers’ woes. Many players have voiced their displeasure, attributing the batsmen’s dominance to this rule.
Siraj emphasized the need for bowlers to remain resilient in the face of adversity. “Life has many ups and downs. So, don’t give up even if 1-2 matches don’t come your way. Currently, I am trying to make a comeback. With the World Cup coming up in a month, I am trying to bowl as few bad balls as possible. Giving 40 runs in 4 overs has become normal in the IPL these days,” he said.
As the IPL 2024 season progresses, it is clear that bowlers face an uphill battle against the onslaught of big-hitting batsmen. However, as Siraj rightly pointed out, it is essential for bowlers to remain resilient and adapt to the changing dynamics of the game. With the World Cup on the horizon, bowlers will be looking to fine-tune their skills and make a strong comeback on the international stage.