Anand Philar
If anything, the IPL-2 underlined the fact that the T20 format was more about playing smart cricket than the age factor. Gilchrist, Hayden, Kumble, Warne, Muralitharan and Kallis all proved that at 30+, they are still "young" enough to make their presence felt and more than held their own against the youth brigade led by the likes of Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Manish Pandey and RP Singh.
The point is that there is no substitute for experience especially in the kind of conditions that the IPL-2 was played in. The bounce and movement that the South African pitches afforded eventually had the final say. If the batsmen struggled to fire, it was more due to the fact that they could not counter the extra bounce and often fell slogging against the line. Of course, there were some clever slower deliveries that demanded patience and fine sense of timing, but overall, it all boiled to experience.
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It is obvious that T20 is evolving into an even contest between bat and ball and that indeed is a clear sign that the format is here to stay. The players and the coaching staff, as could be gauged from IPL-2, are devising new strategies. The batting has become a planned approach than the hit-and-miss that we saw in the seasons gone by. The bowlers too have been busy working on some clever variations with the spinners disproving the theory that they are the batsmen's favourite whipping boys. On the contrary, the lack of pace has often undid the batsmen.
Talking about spinners, Warne and Kumble showcased their talent to keep the batsmen on their toes. Sure, Warne went for a few, but overall, though he was perhaps 70 per cent of his old self, the Aussie legend was still good enough to pick up a few crucial wickets. Likewise, Kumble seems to have worked out the intricacies of T20 and that he ended up with 21 wickets and second only to RP Singh, was a testimony to his commitment and intelligence.
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Among the batsmen, Gilchrist and Hayden were clearly a cut above the rest that included Rohit, Raina and Pandey, the three top young willow-wielders not just for the runs they made but the manner in which they did so.
The South African conditions ensured a level-playing field and that made for the many close contests and the element of unpredictability that added spice to the proceedings. This was in sharp contrast to the inaugural IPL in India where the flat pitches tilted the scales in the batsmen's favour and a score of 180-plus was more a rule than exception. Perhaps, the IPL authorities could consider tailoring the Indian pitches next year to ensure that the bowlers too will receive some assistance instead of reducing the event to a rather monotonous slog-fest that the 2008 edition was.
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So then, will T20 replace the Fifty50? It is quite possible. For a change, I watched a bit of the England vs West Indies ODI the other night and frankly, I just couldn't wait for things to happen on the field. Honestly, it was a culture shock of sorts after emerging from the IPL. Also, with the West Indies looking distracted, it was a one-way street with England dominating. I had to keep reminding myself that this was a Fifty50 not a T20 game!
And now, to think of sitting through five days of "gripping" Test match, I do wonder whether I can take it although I still honour the primacy of the five-day games. As to whether cricket matches would over the next few decades get shorter and shorter, depends on the mindset of the fans who after all dictate the success or failure of any sport.
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The future of Test cricket and, for that matter, Fifty50, is linked to the times that we live in. Before the advent of Fifty50 and T20, cricket offered no alternative format. The arrival of the ODI took the sheen off Test match cricket. Now, the ODI is facing a similar situation, if not a threat with T20 taking off in a big way.
The IPL has unwittingly set a benchmark for serving cricket to the fans as an entertainment package. Also, the younger generation gets to see some of the legendary old-timers who, in turn, with the kind of moneys to be made, make an effort to stay fit and focused.
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Both Hayden and Gilchrist, for instance, admitted that since their retirements, they have benefitted from the time off from cricket going into the IPL. While the chance to compete against the best in the World obviously triggers the adrenaline among the retired players while the older lot that is still active, have an additional incentive to sustain their form in view of the lucrative IPL contracts that it will fetch them.
Thus, the IPL serves three purposes. It provides a fat pension for the retired players; an additional incentive / income for those active; and a massive exposure and a platform for the young and aspiring. Some of us might frown at the IPL frills, but I guess, we have to live with it.
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