Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has witnessed a significant disparity between batsmen and bowlers, with batters accumulating runs at an unprecedented rate. To address this imbalance, legendary Indian cricketer Anil Kumble has proposed several measures to enhance the challenges faced by bowlers.Kumble suggests increasing the size of boundaries at all venues, maximizing the distance batters must cover to score runs. He also advocates for a more pronounced seam on white balls, which would provide bowlers with greater movement and swing. These changes, he believes, would restore a balance between bat and ball.The current run rate in IPL 2024 stands at 9.57, the highest in the tournament's history. Over 250 scores have surpassed eight runs per over, and a record 1133 sixes have been hit. This has put immense pressure on bowlers, who have struggled to contain the onslaught of runs.Kumble emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between bat and ball, arguing that an overemphasis on batting could lead to a decline in the number of bowlers willing to participate in the game. He believes that the proposed changes would provide bowlers with a fairer chance of success.The former Mumbai Indians chief mentor also commented on the team's disappointing season, which has seen them eliminated from playoff contention. Kumble suggests that the transition from Rohit Sharma to Hardik Pandya as captain may have been too abrupt and that Sharma could have continued leading the team for another year.Kumble also praised Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill for his aggressive approach in his first year as an IPL captain. Despite the team's failure to qualify for the playoffs, Kumble believes that Gill has shown promise and will learn from his experiences.Regarding Rajasthan Royals, who have qualified for the playoffs but are on a losing streak, Kumble expressed concern about their current form. He attributed their struggles to inconsistent batting and injuries, but remains optimistic that they can regain their momentum in time for the playoffs.

IPL 2024: Sunil Gavaskar Raises Concerns Over Bowlers' Plight, Calls for Boundary ExpansionLegendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his concerns over the dominance of batters in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, calling for measures to protect bowlers from the relentless onslaught.Speaking on the official broadcaster, Gavaskar proposed increasing the size of the boundary at every ground as a solution to address the imbalance between bat and ball in T20 cricket. He emphasized the importance of extending the boundary ropes, especially at smaller venues, to provide bowlers with a fair chance against power-hitting batters."I wouldn't suggest any changes to a cricket bat because they are all within regulations, but I have been saying this for a long time, increase the size of the boundary at every ground," Gavaskar said.He highlighted the space between the advertisement boards and the fence where the stands begin, stating that pushing the boundary back by a few meters could significantly impact the outcome of matches and provide bowlers with a much-needed respite."Look at this ground today, there is enough space to take it back a little more by a couple of metres. It can often prove to be the difference between a catch and a sixer," Gavaskar explained.Expressing his frustration with the current state of affairs in T20 cricket, Gavaskar criticized the prevalent trend of power-hitting, likening it to a final net session."What we have been seeing in T20 cricket over the last few days is that this is batting like the coach tells in the nets, 'This is the last round,' and everybody starts swinging their bat around bang, bang whether they get out or not," he said.Gavaskar underscored the diminishing excitement beyond a certain point, stressing the need for a more balanced contest between bat and ball."It's not exciting anymore. It's like a final net session. You know, you're just going to hit every ball for a six. There's no excitement in that," he added.Gavaskar's concerns highlight the growing need to address the imbalance between bat and ball in T20 cricket, ensuring that bowlers have a fair chance to compete and that matches remain exciting and competitive.