T20 cricket has risen, fallen, and is currently on the verge of endangering the popularity of the other two conventional formats, according to Mithali Raj. She is the only Indian woman cricketer to average above 30 in T20Is, having played for India in 89 of them, 32 of them as captain, and amassing 2364 runs at an average of 37.52 (third most among Indians). The top spot has been taken by Mithali. IPL 2023 broadcaster role for Star Sports. We spoke with the illustrious cricketer to get his opinion on the constantly evolving needs of T20 cricket, the function of an impact player, and the uncapped players who have most impressed him.

Mithali Raj. (Getty)

Excerpts:

There has been a lot of talk about the strike rate in the middle overs. For example, Virat Kohli has scored quick runs in the powerplay but has struggled in the middle overs… your thoughts?

Each player is unique. Virat is more of a timer when it comes to our conversation. He relies less on power hitting and more on hitting boundaries and sprinting between the wickets. It’s amazing how he’s beginning this IPL powerplay. The bowler can send the ball to the boundary more easily the faster he bowls. He has a phenomenal strike rate against fast bowlers. He must have worked very hard because of the notable improvement in how he handles fast bowlers.

But his strike rate against spinners comes down a lot, why?

While bowling quickly, you either take a step forward or backward with your footwork, but when bowling against spinners, you must be light on your feet. You should go outside frequently. This is most likely one of the causes of the decline in his strike rate against spinners and his dismissals this season. Yet we must keep in mind that a new phase begins after the first six overs. As the field restriction is no longer in effect and more fielders are protecting the boundary, the strike rate will inevitably decrease somewhat but not significantly.

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What should be the ideal way to bat in the middle overs of T20?

Your batting line-strength up’s will affect how well you bat in the middle stage. After the first six overs, you could still be all out if your middle order is really powerful, but if your later batters are unreliable, you should try to bat till the end and make the most of the starts you do receive. since you’re prepared. You are aware of the ground’s angles and measurements. You are aware of the bowlers’ techniques. It will be challenging to smash the ball straight for a novice on a pitch that can be a little sluggish. Although it takes a lot of time, there are some players, like (Shimron) Hetmyer, who can play tremendous shots after just two or three balls.

Where do you stand on the strike rate vs average debate in T20? Is there really scope for anchors in this format?

Both are crucial. In a manner, the development of T20 cricket has made it a conversation point, but if one component is ignored, the other cannot receive as much attention. There must be a sense of equilibrium. You are expected to score runs and keep up a high strike rate if your run is going well. Because there is no time in this format, form is even more valuable. You don’t have time to find your own beat because it moves too quickly. Also, where you bat matters. If you are an opener, you must put in a lot of effort in the powerplay. The greatest approach to take advantage of the field constraints and score the most runs is in this manner. But you can’t only rely on the strike rate if the pitch is tough and you’re losing wickets. According to the circumstances and what your team needs, you bat. Although strike rate is crucial in this format, it is not the only one.

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What about the bowlers, do they still try to take wickets or aim to stop the batsmen?

Whatever the format, wickets are crucial. The run-scoring typically slows down when you take wickets, but if you are leaking runs instead, the wicket won’t make much of a difference. In contrast, if you have a decent economy rate, the pressure you are applying to your side can encourage your bowling partner to take wickets at the other end even if you are not taking wickets.

Let’s talk about the Impact Player Rule. Has this reduced the role of the all-rounder?

Indeed, it does somewhat lessen the importance of an all-around player. The batting order frequently shifts to position nine in the IPL if your impact player is a hitter. You are still in the game even if you are 7 or 8 down.

Has it also made captaincy easier as you are effectively playing with 12 players and getting the best out of each one?

The captaincy skills are unaffected, in my opinion. If you believe that your batting unit hasn’t really done well, an impact player effectively gives you an extra cushion so that you can have an extra batsman to bowl to and vice versa. It also aids in your loss management. Choosing the best impact players is your responsibility as a captain. Even when you have unlimited freedom and flexibility, you still could be mistaken.

Which young talents have impressed you so far this IPL?

I’ve been most pleased by Rajasthan Royals batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal. He had appeared briefly at the Under-19 World Cup. In the first six overs, he occasionally becomes heavy on (Jos) Buttler when he gets going. It is impressive for a rookie player to go overboard while opening the batting opposite an international great who is one of the top performers in this format.

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