Who comes to watch bowlers? An exasperated Irfan Pathan asked even as he wiped the sweat and reached for an energy drink. True. Not many come to follow a bowler's exploits in this format of the game. When sixes rain, the spectators look to catch the ball! Excitement runs through the galleries as batsmen revel on placid pitches. It is a curse to be a bowler.
“We are second-class citizens in cricket,” Harbhajan Singh once said in lighter vein. He could have been subtly trying to hide his serious thoughts on the disparity that exists in cricket between a batsman and a bowler. For long, the rules have been drafted to suit the batsmen. It is after all a batsman's game. So why aspire to be a bowler?
Unpredictable nature
The Indian Premier League (IPL) showcases some of the best in the business. But look at the fate of the bowlers. Dale Steyn, dreaded in Test cricket, was savaged the other night by A.B. de Villiers. At another venue, Dwayne Smith tore into Ben Hilfenhaus, who had bowled with authority till those last three deliveries of the match. The unpredictable nature of the format makes it all the more difficult for the bowlers, who have struggled to protect their reputation.
A batsman hardly gets censured for a poor shot in Twenty20. But a bowler can't afford to have an off-day. Of course, there are captains such as Rahul Dravid and Kumar Sangakkara who make every effort not to discourage the bowler, who have had a rough time. A friendly pat from the captain at the end of the over can have a very soothing effect on a bowler. He may have bowled well but the batsmen would have got away with edges and mishits.
“It is tough to be a bowler,” Harbhajan has always said. Bowling coaches work overtime trying to bring in some method to their attack. The desired combination on a specific pitch is an art and the bowling coach comes in very handy. “But we can only guide. The ultimate responsibility lies with the bowler,” said Mumbai Indians coach Robin Singh, who is good at assessing the opponent's strong points.
It was good to see a smiling Hilfenhaus walk up to receive his Man-of-the-Match award after Chennai Super King's win over Rajasthan Royals here. He must have been traumatised by the Smith onslaught at the Wankhede Stadium but this was a heartening performance from a quality bowler. He brought cheer to the bowling fraternity in the ongoing IPL which has tested the confidence and skills of bowlers without exception.
Fifteen bowlers have been adjudged ‘Man-of-the-Match' in 56 matches. Not bad considering there is not much assistance for them from the curators. Delhi Daredevils coach Eric Simons had advocated 50-50 pitches and this season some surfaces have given some hope to the bowlers.
Nothing like a maiden opening over! Brett Lee bowled one to the explosive David Warner. Lee is a crafty customer. An ideal brand ambassador for the bowlers because he does not compromise with his vocation. The same applies to Dale Steyn.
Rare distinction
The South African had the rare distinction of being the Man-of- the-Match despite Chargers losing to Mumbai Indians. The wicket-maiden that ended with the scalp of a hapless Richard Levi will be remembered and recalled for long. The over saw Steyn bowling consistently in excess of 150kmph!
However, nothing could beat Hilfenhaus' 4-1-8-2 performance as he mocked at the batsmen with his seam and bounce on an amiable track.
West Indian off-spinner Sunil Narine is the only one to have pocketed the ‘Man-of-the-Match' honours twice, again, without sacrificing his natural style. He even flights the ball! Delhi Daredevils left-arm spinners Pawan Negi and Shahbaz Nadeem, not big names even in domestic cricket, shone against some elite opponents because they too stuck to their trusted methods. Shaun Tait was a pleasure to watch as he bowled fast against Chennai, one ball clocked at 150 plus.
The bowlers have learnt to adapt and make an impact. What if the batsmen have hit 527 sixes so far. There have been 631 wickets, too. There is a place for bowlers.
There might be a section in the galleries who come to cheer the likes of Steyn, Hilfenhaus, Tait, Lee or the slow bowlers such as Negi and Nadeem. They are not mere bowling machines, only they need support and recognition reserved for the run-makers in this batsman's game.
