"Brendon McCullum makes his players bulletproof.."- Dinesh Karthik

Former India wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik who appears as a commentator and expert analyst nowadays, has helped everyone understand the real meaning and translation of England head coach Brendon McCullum’s renowned approach of Bazball in the red-ball format.

Dinesh Karthik who has worked closely with McCullum while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL explained that Bazball is not just confined to scoring runs at a rapid pace, 6-7 runs per over but it also means that a batter has to be the best version of themselves be it aggressively or in any other interpretation of the term.

The philosophy of Bazball is a style of play that has been coined by former New Zealand captain and batter Brendon McCullum ever since taking over as head coach of the Three Lions’ Test team. He took charge of the team in May 2022 after ending his deal with KKR.

The effect of Bazball in the English team was such that the overall run rate of international teams like India and Australia remained at 3.5 but England’s raised to 4.8 per over since May 2022. And since their 1-0 loss in the 3-match Test series in West Indies, the Ben Stokes’ led English side haven’t lost a single series.

Even when they have gone down in the first few matches, England have always found a way to crawl back and equalize just like they did in last year’s Ashes series. And this series in India where the hosts haven’t lost a series since 2012, McCullum’s side is on for something special.

While most of us might call Bazball the T20 of Test cricket in our naivety due to the fast-paced game, Dinesh Karthik feels that it’s not just about maintaining a pacey strike rate but also about feeling comfortable and secure about your own game.

“One of McCullum’s biggest strengths is to make the player fully secure and feel literally bullet-proof and confident of trying to execute his skills. He makes them buy into his game plan. In that sense McCullum provides you the right surrounding to go there and be the best version of yourself.” – Dinesh Karthik said. 

“He Sees Positivity In Everything”, Dinesh Karthik Hails McCullum For His Intent

Dinesh Karthik was overseeing the England Lions team as a consultant when they were taking on India A in the 2 exhibition/unofficial Test matches in Ahmedabad. He had the chance to watch the youngsters implementing Bazball closely as both of the matches remained drawn, Dinesh Karthik appreciated Brendon McCullum for his positive attitude as a coach and claimed that it helps a player in trusting their game.

“It did not surprise me too much because working with him at KKR, I realised quickly that he comes in with a positive attitude. He is someone who is always looking at the positives of who is playing and how to get the maximum out of him.” – Karthik added. 

“I’m not surprised that he has taken that aggressive approach because in many ways, it is a route he took all along as a player and as a coach. No matter where he goes to coach, you will see that side being the most aggressive version of themselves.” – Dinesh Karthik concluded.