The last three fixtures of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have seen five 200-plus totals, the highest team total in IPL history, the highest match aggregate in a T20 fixture, the highest successful run-chase and plenty of batting records have been rewritten. The spectators and viewers are getting top return for the money spent as the ball has continued to sail into the stands, and even out of the stadium.
Life, however, hasn’t been easy for the bowlers. Even the best in the business have found it difficult to contain the flow of runs and the ‘Impact Player’ rule has only made life difficult for the bowlers. Teams, enjoying batting depth, no longer opt for the conservative approach and the true nature of pitches, shorter boundaries have made 200-plus total the new par this week.
Gujarat Titans’ death-overs specialist Mohit Sharma, a veteran of over 150 T20s who picked 27 wickets in IPL 2023, is not surprised by the high totals scored this week and feels the Impact Player rule has made a difference of at least 20-25 runs.
In a freewheeling chat with News18 CricketNext ahead of the GT vs Delhi Capitals fixture on Wednesday, the 35-year-old talks about the increasing domination of batters in the format, new captain Shubman Gill, two bouncers in an over and what bowlers need to do. Edited excerpts:
It’s been a mixed season so far for Gujarat Titans with three wins and as many defeats. Thoughts on the campaign?
Yes, it has been a mixed tournament for us so far. We have won three and lost three. For me, however, it’s important how you gel as a team because the tournament is still left as there are still eight games to go. I am not suggesting the result will go in our favour but it’s important to have the right mindset while preparing for games. The mindset of the team is very good and hopefully, the preparation will translate into positive results. Margin of error hamari taraf zyaada hoga.
How is the set-up shaping up under new captain Shubman Gill? How has the new energy in the leadership group been?
Shubman Gill has overall held the side together really well. I personally feel that a good captain doesn’t need to show himself often on the field. Jaise bahut zyaada idhar udhar bhaagta hua na dikhe, thoda relaxed dikhe. That’s what Shubman does. You wouldn’t even notice what he is doing but he is quietly doing his job. So that is very important for a captain. He must understand the situation and then quietly handle it. There is no need to go here and there and then press the panic button. So, I feel Shubman, in that sense, is doing a really good job. The team is shaping up well under him and we will hopefully get results in our favour too.
This season has seen some record totals being scored and chased. For a veteran like you, is it surprising to see totals over 250 being scored in a T20 match and how much of a role does the Impact Player rule play in teams batting with so much freedom?
I wouldn’t say I am surprised because the Impact Player rule has increased to 20-25 runs at least. Before the Impact Player rule, a bowling all-rounder used to generally come in at No.8 and a bowler generally found a way against him with proper execution of his plans. Now the situation has changed because even a proper batter sometimes walks in at No.8. Bachna is time pe thoda difficult hai but yes bowlers can also use more of their minds to create some scenarios, and work more on their execution. A lot also matters on how the given day has been for an individual.
Nature of pitches and smaller boundaries contributing to the big totals or is it just pure skill at play?
Everything matters. Even the shape of the boundary… the shape of the ground matters. Dimensions of the ground, everything. Skills you have been seeing from time to time how it’s increasing. There is no point in having an ego as a bowler in this (T20) format. You have to keep your head down and focus only on your execution rather than thinking ye bacha abhi 18 saal ka hai, U-19 India khel ke aaya hai and ise aap haste khelte daalke nikal jaaoge. Wo waala kaam nahi hai. Overall everything matters and you never know on a given day kaun aapke sar pe baith jaaye. (You can’t take a batter lightly just because he’s 18. You never who gets the better of you on a given day).
Is the T20 format becoming very batter-dominated now?
Yes, as I said previously while mentioning the Impact Player rule. As you see, even the ball has slowly stopped swinging because more focus these days has been on variations. Initially when the ball swings, it plays on batter’s mind and he prefers to counter-attack after seeing off the movement. Yes, it’s difficult for the bowlers but things can still be executed. Yes, grounds are getting smaller and there are very few grounds with bigger dimensions. Very few grounds where we can say aaj hum khul ke ball daal sakte hai. It’s a batter-dominated game but this can’t be an excuse and one has to prepare well, plan well and execute them to convert the day in your favour.
Are two bouncers in an over giving the bowlers much-needed cushion this season?
There are pros and cons for everything but if you use it well in your package, it can be helpful. In my case, if I get bigger side boundaries I try using it in my mix. I also try mixing both my slower and regular bouncer and create a nice package. It will definitely help bowlers.
How has the season personally been for you?
Khatta-meetha (Sweet and sour). I would say 50-50 so far. The initial phase was fine but still a lot of work can be done on the execution bit.
After the brilliant outings last season, has there been added pressure on you? Especially with Mohammed Shami injured and Hardik Pandya no longer with the team.
I wouldn’t say there is any extra pressure because of last season or because Mohammed Shami isn’t here and Hardik Pandya isn’t here. I shouldn’t add any pressure on myself because the franchise hasn’t added any pressure on me. They have clearly told me to do my job and other bowlers will do theirs. This is a very important factor in pushing any team forward. My role is what it was last year and even before that. Whenever a youngster comes and asks something with regards to situations and scenarios, it’s important to sit and discuss as a unit. And then continue to focus on the execution of your own plans.
This domestic season, you only played three T20s for Haryana. Could you talk about your pre-season preparations and how you normally prepare during the off-season?
The more cricket you play, the better you prepare. The more matches you play, the better you prepare. I got injured after playing three games as I tore my internal oblique and went into extensive rehab which lasted more than three months. I regained 100% fitness just before the season got underway. As a bowler, you have to prepare in every session like the chief selector is watching you from the outside. One shouldn’t just go and repeatedly follow a process. It’s about following the process with a lot of honesty. You have to continue bowling, and continue creating those scenarios. The more you bowl, the more it gets into your muscle memory.
What would be your advice to a young bowler looking to make a mark in the T20 format?
Just be brave. This format is such that the percentage of you going for runs is a bit more. You face more disappointments in this format. This will make you strong too but if you are not brave, you will not be able to come out of it. You will go into a shell and start thinking that I got hit in front of 50,000 people in the stands, so many people watching on TV and so many DMs already.
And, at 35, are you still hopeful of earning an India recall in the near future? T20 World Cup, maybe?
I wouldn’t say no but I wouldn’t also say yes. Focus right now is one game at a time and keeping the body in good shape. Bahut zyaada lamba nahi soch raha, na kabhi socha hai (Not thinking too far and have never done). I am just focussing on keeping my body fit at the moment.