Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier off-spinner, has warned that the evolution of power-hitting in modern cricket is rendering stadium size increasingly irrelevant. Ashwin expressed concern that the one-sided nature of high-scoring encounters could alienate bowlers and spectators alike.
His comments come at a time when the Indian Premier League (IPL) is witnessing a season of record-breaking totals.
Teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad have posted scores exceeding 275, aided by the introduction of the 'Impact Player' rule. This rule allows teams to substitute a player midway through the innings, often bolstering their batting power.
"The stadiums built in the past simply aren't relevant anymore," Ashwin remarked. He pointed towards advancements in bat technology, contrasting them with the rudimentary equipment used in bygone eras. "The boundaries have effectively shrunk by ten yards thanks to the ubiquitous LED sponsor boards," he added.
Ashwin fears that if this trend continues, cricket will become unbalanced, heavily favouring batsmen. "The pendulum is swinging too far in one direction," he stated, "someone's joy will come at the expense of another's misery. Bowlers will need significant mental fortitude to cope."
However, Ashwin, known for his cricketing intellect, remains optimistic.
He believes that resourceful bowlers who can innovate will continue to thrive. "The game is constantly evolving, demanding new solutions," he said. "There's a clear opportunity for bowlers to stand out with their skills."
Ashwin finds solace in the fact that the Rajasthan Royals' bowling attack hasn't suffered as severely as others, despite acknowledging the phenomenal batting displays witnessed this season. "Our bowling attack has conceded fewer runs on average compared to the league standard," he said.
"We even defended a modest total of 180 in Jaipur, which was a commendable feat," he continued. "But there's no denying the awe-inspiring strokeplay on display. After all, spectators come to the ground to witness boundaries being cleared."
Ashwin, known for his wit, couldn't resist a humorous take on the ever-shrinking boundaries. "The ground in Jaipur has a massive boundary.
When I saw it, I remember Dhruv Jurel (Royals teammate) remarking, 'Bhaiyya (brother), this is enormous!' I jokingly replied, 'Dhruv, at least let there be some ground to cover!' Looking at such boundaries, at this stage in my career, I might need a bicycle to reach the ropes!"
"The next stadium had a slightly smaller boundary, allowing me to walk," he continued, "followed by another where I could even run. Then there was one ground where I felt even spitting my chewing gum could send it sailing over the boundary for a six!" Shane Bond, the Royals' bowling coach, offered a pragmatic viewpoint.
"For skilled bowlers, there's immense financial reward to be had in today's game," he stated. "While batting has undoubtedly advanced, bowlers are catching up with their own innovations."
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