Dale Steyn: Bowlers Can Be 'Gods' in High-Scoring T20 Era

Dale Steyn: Bowlers Can Be ‘Gods’ in High-Scoring T20 Era

In the high-scoring era of T20 cricket, where teams routinely surpass 200 runs, the art of bowling has become increasingly challenging. However, legendary South African pacer Dale Steyn believes that this is precisely the time when bowlers can achieve greatness.

Steyn’s comments came after witnessing another explosive batting display in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, where Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders posted scores well above 200. “I could make a joke and say I’m glad I’m retired and no longer bowling, but… It’s always a good time to be a bowler, if you can make yourself the best, you’ll be a wanted god among mere mortals,” Steyn tweeted.

The former Proteas star emphasized that in an era where batters are dominating, a skilled bowler would be revered as a deity. “The slayer of rampaging runs! Insensitives have never been higher. I’d want to be a bowler more than anything!” he added.

Steyn’s sentiments were echoed by fans, with one suggesting that the key to success in modern-day bowling is to emulate Jasprit Bumrah. Steyn agreed, acknowledging Bumrah’s exceptional ability to control the flow of runs despite the batter-friendly conditions.

“Well, exactly that,” Steyn replied to the fan.

Bumrah, the current purple cap holder in the IPL, has been a standout performer, claiming 13 wickets in 7 matches at an impressive average of 12.84 and an economy rate of 5.96. His ability to restrict runs and take wickets has made him a valuable asset for his team, Mumbai Indians.

Steyn’s comments highlight the importance of adaptability and skill in the face of the ever-evolving nature of T20 cricket. While the odds may seem stacked against bowlers, those who can master their craft and rise above the challenges will be the ones who truly shine.

IPL 2024: Centuries and Bowling Brilliance Mark Week 4

IPL 2024: Centuries and Bowling Brilliance Mark Week 4

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season has witnessed a flurry of centuries and impressive bowling performances in its fourth week. Openers have dominated the batting charts, while bowlers have showcased their skills with economical spells and crucial wickets.

Sunil Narine of Kolkata Knight Riders has been a standout performer, scoring 115 runs at an average of 57.50 and claiming three wickets at an economy rate of 5.88. Jos Buttler of Rajasthan Royals has also impressed with a century in his only match so far.

Suryakumar Yadav of Mumbai Indians has been consistent with the bat, scoring 78 runs at an average of 39. Shivam Dube of Chennai Super Kings has made an impact with a quickfire 66* in his lone appearance.

Rishabh Pant of Delhi Capitals has provided stability behind the stumps, scoring 57 runs at a strike rate of 162.86. Ashutosh Sharma of Punjab Kings has been a revelation, scoring 92 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 209.09.

On the bowling front, Pat Cummins of Sunrisers Hyderabad has led the way with three wickets at an average of 14.33 and an economy rate of 10.75. Kuldeep Yadav of Delhi Capitals and Jasprit Bumrah of Mumbai Indians have also claimed three wickets each.

Avesh Khan of Rajasthan Royals has been economical with four wickets at an average of 17.25 and an economy rate of 8.63. Matheesha Pathirana of Chennai Super Kings has impressed with four wickets at an average of 7 and an economy rate of 7.

Heinrich Klaasen of Sunrisers Hyderabad has made a significant impact as an impact substitute, scoring 67 runs at a strike rate of 216.13.

Under the guidance of coach Ricky Ponting, Delhi Capitals have emerged as a strong contender, with their players featuring prominently in the Team of the Week.

Jasprit Bumrah Eager to Make Early Impact in T20 Matches

Jasprit Bumrah Eager to Make Early Impact in T20 Matches

Jasprit Bumrah, the Mumbai Indians’ bowling spearhead, has expressed his desire to make an early impact in T20 matches. While he is often deployed as a trump card in the latter stages of the innings, Bumrah believes he can contribute significantly in the powerplay overs.

“Of course, you want to make an impact early on when the ball does something,” Bumrah said. “In this format, the ball does swing for the first two overs, and I want to make an impact when the opportunity comes.”

Despite the high-scoring nature of this year’s IPL, Bumrah has maintained his miserly economy rate of 5.96 and has taken 13 wickets in seven matches. He acknowledges the challenges bowlers face in the current T20 landscape, but emphasizes the importance of preparation and self-belief.

“This format is a little difficult for the bowlers because the batsmanship is going up,” Bumrah said. “But I feel like all of those things are not in your control. What you can do is try to prepare to the best of your ability and back yourself in any situation.”

Bumrah also plays a leadership role within the Mumbai Indians team, providing guidance to his fellow bowlers.

“Whenever there’s an opportunity, I do relay a message from wherever I am,” Bumrah said. “But sometimes in the heat of the moment, it’s difficult to pass on a lot of message. But yes, I am always there if anybody needs help.”

Bumrah’s versatility and leadership qualities make him a crucial asset for the Mumbai Indians as they aim to defend their IPL title.

Mithali Raj Analyzes Impact Rule, RCB's Struggles, and T20 World Cup Contenders

Mithali Raj Analyzes Impact Rule, RCB’s Struggles, and T20 World Cup Contenders

Former Indian women’s cricket captain Mithali Raj has expressed her views on the impact of the new Impact Rule in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). The rule allows teams to substitute a player of their choice at any point during the match.

Raj believes that the rule has been particularly beneficial for teams in the second innings. “It does support a team which swaps a bowler in the second innings,” she said. This is because teams can bring in a fresh bowler to exploit the conditions and put pressure on the opposition batters.

Raj also commented on the performance of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who have struggled in the tournament so far. She identified the team’s bowling as a major weakness. “Batting strength is good but even there except for Virat Kohli and the finisher Dinesh Karthik no one else is supporting Kohli,” she said.

Raj believes that RCB needs to improve its bowling resources. “I don’t see any bowler whom you can say would win the match with one spell for RCB in this IPL,” she said. She suggested that the team should consider shuffling its existing bowlers or acquiring quality spinners in the later stages of the tournament.

Raj also praised the performance of 22-year-old Riyan Parag for Rajasthan Royals. “He has not done that great in the last few seasons and to overcome that and perform like the way he is doing now is amazing,” she said.

Regarding the upcoming T20 World Cup, Raj believes that Virat Kohli should be included in the team due to his class, experience, and consistency. She also suggested that Yuzvendra Chahal should be considered for selection based on his current form.

Length Ball Resurgence: Bowlers Rediscover Death Overs Weapon in IPL

Length Ball Resurgence: Bowlers Rediscover Death Overs Weapon in IPL

The Rise of the Length Ball in the Death Overs: A New Era in ODI and T20 Bowling

In the high-octane world of ODI and T20 cricket, the death overs have long been a battleground where bowlers have struggled to contain the onslaught of powerful batters. The mantra of “don’t bowl length” has been ingrained in the minds of commentators and experts, who have witnessed countless balls disappearing into the stands in the closing stages of matches.

However, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 has witnessed a paradigm shift in bowling strategies. Bowlers have rediscovered the effectiveness of the three-quarter length ball, a delivery that has traditionally been considered a safe option but has now become a potent weapon in the death overs.

On expansive grounds like Jaipur, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Mullanpur, the hard length ball that is driven into the wicket with fielders guarding the square boundary has proven to be a highly effective non-boundary ball. Unlike the tailing yorker that often steals the limelight, this unglamorous delivery has become the bowlers’ go-to option, especially in the end overs.

The rise of the length ball can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, batters have become increasingly adept at anticipating and executing the yorker, standing deep in the batting crease to negate its effectiveness. This has led bowlers to explore alternative strategies, and the length ball has emerged as a viable option.

Secondly, the length ball allows bowlers to maintain a higher error rate in execution. Unlike the yorker, which requires pinpoint accuracy, the length ball can be bowled with a slightly wider margin of error and still be effective. This is crucial in the high-pressure environment of the death overs, where even a single mistake can prove costly.

Bowlers like Pat Cummins have demonstrated the effectiveness of the length ball by packing one side of the deep field with fielders and forcing batters to fetch the ball from the good length spot. Mitchell Starc, known for his swinging yorkers, abandoned that plan against Lucknow Super Giants in the end overs and found success at the Eden Gardens.

Kagiso Rabada delivered a masterclass in length bowling against Rajasthan Royals, almost engineering a heist for Punjab Kings. Other bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mustafizur Rahman, and Kuldeep Sen have also used the yorker sparingly and relied on the length ball.

As the IPL season progresses and wickets become more tired, the length ball is expected to yield even greater dividends for bowlers. Its ability to restrict boundaries and maintain a higher error rate in execution makes it a valuable weapon in the battle against the modern-day batter.

Hardik Pandya's Bowling Absence Raises Questions About T20 World Cup Selection

Hardik Pandya’s Bowling Absence Raises Questions About T20 World Cup Selection

Hardik Pandya’s recent performances for Mumbai Indians in the IPL have raised questions about his role in the Indian team, particularly in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. The all-rounder has only bowled a solitary over in the last three matches, leading to speculation about a potential injury or a shift in his batting approach.

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull believes that an injury is preventing Pandya from bowling at full throttle. “He’s injured. I’m telling you there is something wrong with him. He is not admitting it,” Doull said.

Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle has questioned whether Pandya should be selected in India’s T20 World Cup squad as a pure batter. “If Hardik is not bowling, does Hardik make the T20 World Cup squad?” Bhogle asked. “Is he among the top six batters in India if he is not bowling?”

Pandya’s batting has been impressive in the IPL, but Bhogle believes that there are other better pure batters in the team. “He needs to bat up, where all the competition is,” Bhogle said.

The BCCI selectors face a dilemma in deciding Pandya’s role in the Indian team. If he is not bowling, his value as an all-rounder diminishes, and he may face competition from other pure batters. However, if he is injured, the selectors may need to consider alternative options for the T20 World Cup.

Pandya’s absence from bowling could also impact the balance of the Indian team. He has been a key bowler in the past, providing crucial overs in the middle and death stages. Without his bowling, the team may need to find other bowlers to fill his role.

The situation surrounding Pandya’s bowling is a concern for the Indian team as they prepare for the T20 World Cup. The selectors will need to make a decision on his role based on his fitness and performance in the coming months.

RCB Bowlers Face Uphill Battle Against Formidable SRH Batting Lineup

RCB Bowlers Face Uphill Battle Against Formidable SRH Batting Lineup

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) IPL campaign has hit a roadblock, with the team languishing at the bottom of the standings after six matches. Their bowlers have been a major concern, lacking the adaptability and skill required to counter the aggressive batting lineups in the tournament.

In the match against Mumbai Indians, RCB’s bowlers were unable to contain the opposition’s batsmen, conceding 196 runs in just 15.3 overs. The bowlers’ reliance on variations like knuckle balls and slow bouncers proved ineffective against the ultra-aggressive MI batters.

The RCB bowlers have also struggled to adapt to different conditions, showing a lack of willingness to adjust their strategies. This has allowed opposing batsmen to exploit their weaknesses and score freely.

In contrast, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), RCB’s next opponents, boast a formidable batting lineup. Heinrich Klaasen, Abhishek Sharma, and Travis Head have all been in excellent form, scoring heavily in the Power Play and middle-late overs.

However, SRH’s bowling has been a weak point, with spinners Shahabaz Ahmed and Mayank Markande conceding runs at a high rate. Skipper Pat Cummins has been a standout performer, taking six wickets and maintaining a respectable economy rate.

The inclusion of left-arm pacer T Natarajan has added depth to SRH’s bowling attack, providing control and variation. The team’s familiarity with the Chinnaswamy Stadium’s pitch, which is similar to their home ground in Hyderabad, could give them an advantage.

RCB’s batters have shown some promise, with Virat Kohli leading the Orange Cap race and Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, and Dinesh Karthik contributing valuable runs. However, Glenn Maxwell’s poor form remains a concern.

The match between RCB and SRH is a crucial one for both teams. RCB desperately needs a win to revive their campaign, while SRH will be looking to consolidate their position in the top half of the table.

Delhi Capitals Back Anrich Nortje Despite Death Bowling Struggles

Delhi Capitals Back Anrich Nortje Despite Death Bowling Struggles

Delhi Capitals’ bowling coach James Hopes has expressed confidence in the team’s pace spearhead Anrich Nortje, despite his recent struggles in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Nortje, who made his comeback to competitive cricket after six months, was taken to the cleaners by Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag at the death, conceding 48 runs in his four overs.

Hopes acknowledged the challenges Nortje faced, having been out of action since September and playing only three domestic T20 games before the IPL. However, he emphasized Nortje’s status as one of the premier death bowlers in the game and expressed trust in his ability to improve.

“It’s the first time that Nortje has been at this level in a while. He had a fair time out of the game, but if you look at all the numbers, he is one of the premier death bowlers in the game. We trust that he is going to keep getting better,” Hopes said.

Hopes also identified areas for improvement in the team’s batting, which fell apart in the back-10 after a positive start. He highlighted the need to tidy up the middle-over batting, with the return of Rishabh Pant expected to provide a significant boost.

“We need to tidy up our middle over batting too. We tend to get stuck a little bit in phases there. We know the fix for that is Rishabh Pant,” Hopes said. “He has played two games after a long lay-off and I think you’re going to see some pretty special things from him in the next few weeks.”

Delhi Capitals will face Chennai Super Kings in their next game on Sunday, hoping to address the issues identified by Hopes and secure their first win of the IPL season.

Mustafizur Rahman's Four-Wicket Haul Powers CSK to Victory

Mustafizur Rahman’s Four-Wicket Haul Powers CSK to Victory

Mustafizur Rahman’s stellar performance propelled Chennai Super Kings to a six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Friday. Despite being stretchered off the field in Chittagong last week, the Bangladeshi pacer returned with a vengeance, decimating RCB’s top order with four crucial wickets in just 10 deliveries.

Rahman’s variations in pace and precise execution proved too much for RCB’s batsmen. His leg-cutters and flexible wrist action accounted for the wickets of Faf du Plessis and Cameron Green, while a slower ball sent Virat Kohli packing. Rajat Patidar was deceived by a wobbly seam delivery.

Dinesh Karthik, who remained unbeaten to guide RCB to a decent total, praised Rahman’s ability to modify his pace, making him a formidable opponent for batters. “He can bowl at 138-139 kmph and then has a slow one, which is very deceptive,” Karthik explained. “He bowls at 120-125 kmph, which makes it really hard to line him up.”

Rahman’s inclusion in the CSK playing XI was due to the absence of designated death bowler Matheesha Pathirana. The 28-year-old, acquired by CSK for his base price of Rs 2 crore last year, seized the opportunity and made a significant impact.

CSK bowling consultant Eric Simons commended Rahman for executing the plan seamlessly. “We felt that he (Fizz) does suit the conditions, but again, it’s the simplicity of the plan that we put into place, and he executed beautifully today,” Simons said.

Rahman’s performance highlights his versatility and ability to adapt to different conditions. His variations in pace and precise execution make him a valuable asset to any team, and his impact on CSK’s victory is a testament to his skill and determination.

Jasprit Bumrah Returns to Mumbai Indians, Boosting IPL Title Hopes

Jasprit Bumrah Returns to Mumbai Indians, Boosting IPL Title Hopes

Jasprit Bumrah Returns to Mumbai Indians, Bolstering IPL Title Hopes

Star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has made a triumphant return to the Mumbai Indians (MI) training camp, adding a formidable force to the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions. Bumrah’s comeback marks a significant boost for MI ahead of the upcoming season, as he missed IPL 2023 due to a back stress injury.

Since his IPL debut with MI in 2013, Bumrah has been an indispensable asset to the franchise. In 120 matches, he has claimed an impressive 145 wickets with an economical rate of 7.4. His return adds depth and experience to MI’s bowling attack, bolstering their aspirations for another title.

The official MI social media handle announced Bumrah’s arrival with excitement, exclaiming, “Why fear? BOOM is here.” This signals Bumrah’s readiness to return to action with the franchise.

As the countdown to IPL 2024 intensifies, MI prepares for their opening encounter against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. With high hopes and aspirations, MI aims to kickstart their campaign with a victory and set the tone for a successful season.

In IPL 2023, MI had a commendable performance, reaching the knockout stages. Despite finishing fourth in the rankings, they fell short of clinching their sixth title, losing in Qualifier 2 to Gujarat Titans.

With renewed determination and a formidable lineup, MI is poised to make a strong statement in IPL 2024. They aim for glory and redemption as they embark on their quest for another championship triumph.

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