Ravi Ashwin. (Photo Source: RR/Instagram)
Power-hitting has become so prevalent in modern-day cricket, that the size of cricket stadiums is becoming less relevant. The issue is clearly upheld by renowned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. He expressed concern that this trend could make the game unfairly one-sided. Ashwin’s comments came in light of the unreal totals being scored by teams in this year’s Indian Premier League 2024.
Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 277 and 287, and numerous teams surpassed scores of 250 with the help of extra batters in the form of Impact Substitutions. Ashwin believed that if this trend continues, the game will become increasingly one-sided. However, he also affirmed that a good bowler will be able to stand out among his peers with his innovative strategies.
“The stadiums built back in the day are not relevant in the modern day. The bats that were used back then were also used for gully cricket. With LED boards of the sponsors being used, the boundary has come in by 10 yards. It is tilting too far on [the] other side, which will make someone’s misery your great time. Bowlers will need mental boost. Game shifts balance and you have to find answers. There’s [a] clear window to differentiate yourself,” Ashwin was quoted as saying by Sportstar.
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I felt if I spit my chewing gum, it will cross the boundary rope for a six: Ashwin
The Tamil Nadu spinner is pleased to note that the bowling attack of the Rajasthan Royals has not been negatively affected as much as some of the other teams. However, he still admired the striking abilities of the batters over time. Ashwin, also gave a funny comment on the size of the boundaries this season.
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“The ground in Jaipur, the boundary is huge. When I saw that, Dhruv Jurel said, ‘Bhaiyya this is so big,’ and I told him ‘Dhruv, at least let it be somewhere.’ Watching that, I felt at this stage of my career, I would need a bicycle to reach the (Sawai Mansingh Stadium) boundary. Then, in the next stadium, I felt I could walk and the next I could run and then in one I felt if I spit my chewing gum, it will cross the boundary rope for a six,” Ashwin concluded.