IPL - A turnaround in the bowler's fortune?

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9085002735877347242.post-79502392552362066472008-05-05T09:05:00.000+05:302008-05-05T09:08:41.951+05:302008-05-05T09:08:41.951+05:30IPL - A turnaround in the bowler's fortune? There is a definite turnaround in the IPL. The bowlers, once considered mere cannon fodder, are asserting themselves. <o:p> </o:p> Excepting a couple of instances of individual brilliance, the batsmen have largely struggled to run up scores in excess of 200. It is also interesting to note the number of last over finishes. If one were to ignore the performance of the Deccan Chargers, they are establishing a record of sorts, they reflect in favor of the bowlers. <o:p> </o:p> Now what caused this turnaround in the bowler's fortune? <o:p> </o:p> Can we attribute it to the departure of a fair number of overseas players? On the other hand, should we attribute the turnaround to the pitches on offer? <o:p> </o:p> Undoubtedly, both factors have a bearing, but one can credit it to the number of league matches in the IPL. By now, we would have witnessed a winner in other Twenty20 tournaments whereas in the IPL even after 20 games we are yet to identify the semifinalists. <o:p> </o:p> The unwieldy tournament has worked in the bowlers favor. It has given the bowlers ample time to stage a smart recovery from the initial 'shock and awe' of brutal manhandling from the batsmen. <o:p> </o:p> At the same time, it has proved detrimental to the batsmen. The sheer number of matches means that the batsmen are under pressure to blaze away every other innings. Hence, batsmen take more risks, which in turn increase the number of failures. No wonder the bowlers are asserting themselves.   <div class="blogger-post-footer"><hr /> <a href="http://www.cricketnewsonlinelive.com">In the Name of Cricket</a></div>Ottayanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511419586643916500ottayana@gmail.com