IPL Cannot Have Stringent Cut-Off Time For Innings Completion: Mahela Jayawardene
Published - 10 Aug 2021, 10:16 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:51 AM
Former Sri Lankan skipper and current Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene has reckoned that the IPL cannot be too stringent as far as completing the stipulated over on time.
According to Jayawardene, it might reduce the bowler’s ability to script a turnaround in a crunch situation as he wouldn’t have enough time to think certain things.
Mahela Jayawardene was reacting to the rule introduced in the Hundred where the fielding side is forced to keep another fielder inside the 30-yard circle if it fails to complete the overs within the stipulated time.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo’, Mahela Jayawardene said that while the rule is fine for domestic tournaments, one can’t compare the Hundred with the IPL.
“What might happen if you shorten it too much is that the quality of the game might reduce because the bowlers don’t have time to think through certain things. It’s a fine line,’ said Mahela Jayawardene.
“I like the fact we’re being pushed here and that you get penalized during the game rather than a fine or a warning afterward,” he said. “It’s good for this competition as a domestic tournament, but it’s tough to compare it with the IPL – the viewership and the content and requirements are quite different,” Jayawardene said.
“If a product requires that quality and needs bowlers to take their time, then tactically that might be better for the viewers rather than rushing through. I see the two quite differently,” he said.
Currently, the non-striker takes the strike if he/she manages to cross the other batter at the time of the dismissal.
The rule provides strategic importance to the batting side.
“I definitely like the fact that the new batter has to come in to strike at the fall of a wicket, even if it’s a catch and the guys have crossed. That’s a very interesting rule,” he said.
“In some situations in T20 cricket, in a two-over slab at the back end, it becomes almost a free hit for a tailender off the last ball of the first over,” Mahela Jayawardene added.
“But in this scenario – and it happened in our last game – you don’t have that free hit for a tailender. He still has to rotate the strike or not get out.” he said.
The Mumbai Indians coach also have his green signal to the rule that allows a bowler to bowl ten consecutive deliveries.
“Even the two overs in a row for a bowler makes it tactically quite fascinating. You have to plan a lot with your strike bowlers and where you can use them,” he said.
Also Read- Riyan Parag Hopes To Perform Well In The IPL And Gradually Play For India
