Data Drives T20 cricket, Not Opposition’s Strength or Weakness - Virender Sehwag

Former India international, Virender Sehwag feels T20 cricket now relies heavily on data rather than opposition’s strength or weakness.

Meanwhile, Kings XI Punjab recently unveiled their new jersey yesterday.

Punjab have had their share of success but have also lacked the killer instinct in the previous seasons. However, Sehwag, who is the mentor of the team feels it is a much stronger team will more power hitters.

The swashbuckling opener believes like his team, IPL has also come a long way. The investment is huge, and the number of brains in each franchise have also increased manifold.

Data Driven:

Since its inception, cricket has evolved, and so has T20. Meanwhile, Sehwag believes in data to measure the performance of players.

“The dynamics of T20 has changed completely since IPL started. Teamwork and rely a lot on data. For example the conditions on offer, the average scores at different grounds.

“Earlier, teams used to rely on strengths and weaknesses of opposition teams, which isn’t the case anymore. You can actually predict how and when a particular batsman or bowler will perform, that’s how strongly teams rely on data these days,” Sehwag said.

Further, Sehwag also cites examples to prove his case. He says a bowler who can bowl well between overs 7 to 14 but aren’t good when they bowl during power-play or death.

While a bowler who is good can be exceptionally good in power-plays and death because they back their ability.

Gayle’s Marketability:

IPL franchises overlooked the hard-hitting West Indian Chris Gayle which was one of the biggest surprises. However, later Kings XI Punjab roped him from the list of recalled players.

Gayle’s batting powers may be waning, but for Kings XI, the Jamaican marauder brings a lot to the table.

“We first wanted to pick the players who we had shortlisted and then if we had money we go for others and that was the case with Gayle. Not to forget, Gayle is also a very marketable product.”

“Also, Gayle is a legend of T20 cricket and with his experience brings a lot to the table. Not only he is an asset to the team but can also be a guide to the likes of Mayank Agarwal and many other young batsmen,” added Sehwag.

While Sehwag backs the importance of data-based strategy in T20, it remains to be seen, how much of it KXIP can use when the 2018 season starts on April 7.

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