It’s interesting to recall the names of the top 10 wicket-takers in 2014-15 Ranji Trophy. With the exception of Vinay Kumar, the rest have failed to find even remotely similar success in the harsher environs of the IPL. The remaining nine of them have shared just 11 appearances between them this season (till May 21, 2015). Nine of those were enjoyed by Rishi Dhawan (Kings XI Punjab) and Sreenath Aravind (Royal Challengers Bangalore). Shardul Thakur, top-wicket taker in first-class cricket last season, and Shreyas Gopal appeared once while Pankaj Singh, Samad Fallah, Abhimanyu Mithun, D. Siva Kumar and Basant Mohanty weren’t even that fortunate.
Why do the best domestic bowlers fail to become IPL regulars? Perhaps, the strange workings of the tournament are at play. It’s commonly known that franchises prefer economical bowlers over aggressive ones. The preference for the former is dictated by the belief that the objective is to ensure that the other teams score fewer runs. As one of the oldest cricketing adages will tell you, wickets stem the run flow too. Arguably, aggressive bowlers are better placed to ensure their side doesn’t face a
huge target or can defend low ones. An occasional expensive spell should not deflect one’s attention from the difference they make usually.
However, an aggressive captain is rare today. Most skippers tend to be as defensive as a worrier. They foresee the worst and act accordingly. A little faith in their teammates, though, wouldn’t hurt.
Sadly, very few individuals possess the courage to question accepted ‘wisdom’ within the cricketing fraternity. Hence, frugality is often placed above every other quality.
Till this thought prevails, it’s unlikely that the top-wicket takers in Ranji Trophy will become a regular fixture in IPL teams. Their ability to make a difference counts for little in a tournament that claims to develop Indian talent.
