Batters’ Evolution Leading to High Scores
Ravichandran Ashwin attributes the high scores in the IPL to the evolution of batters rather than the impact player rule. According to Ashwin, batters now have more confidence, and pitches have been standardized. This season, teams have crossed the 200-run mark 41 times and the 250-run mark eight times. The record highest team total of 287 was also achieved by Sunrisers Hyderabad in this edition. Ashwin believes that even without the impact player rule, scores would still be high, and he urges bowlers to develop their batting skills to meet the demands of the game.
Mixed Opinions on the Impact Player Rule
The impact player rule, formally adopted in the 2023 IPL after a trial in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, has received mixed reactions. While Indian captain Rohit Sharma criticized it for hampering the development of all-rounders, Virat Kohli feels it disrupts the game’s balance. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah mentioned that the rule was implemented on a test case basis and is not permanent. The board will discuss with stakeholders before making a final decision on this debatable rule.
Ashwin’s Performance and Insights
Ashwin reflected on his performance, mentioning that his tournament had two distinct halves. Coming off a challenging five-match home Test series against England, he faced an abdominal injury that affected his initial performance in the IPL. However, he found his rhythm in the latter half, making crucial changes to his bowling action. Ashwin was awarded man-of-the-match for his economical 2/19, which restricted Royal Challengers Bengaluru to 172/8.
Ashwin also praised Riyan Parag’s maturity and growth since his IPL debut at 17. He emphasized the importance of giving young batters clear roles, noting Parag’s significant improvement and his impressive shot over the covers in the recent game.
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