Rahul Dravid batted for bowlers getting more weapons to assert themselves in T20. Taking the IPL 2015 as an example with mavericks like A.B. de Villiers on the rampage, he focused on bigger boundaries, livelier wickets and permitting two bouncers.
The balance between bat and ball needs to be looked at, said the Rajasthan Royals Team Mentor.
“If you have scores of 200 or more every game, then it won’t be much fun. The balance between bat and ball will cease to exist.”
He explained: “We should look at changing the rules. Boundaries need to be increased, because at some grounds we (RR) played, the boundaries were brought in. You need to put some thought on the wickets. The balance will be addressed when there is a pace, bounce or spin.”
The second bouncer is a weapon he underlined was needed in the IPL.
“If you saw the World Cup recently, you had two bouncers per over. I feel T20 cricket also should allow the extra bouncer. It will give the bowler an opportunity to make a comeback. If the first ball of an over is a bouncer, then batsmen can easily predict the remaining five deliveries.” South Africa’s de Villiers is busy setting new benchmarks in strokeplay, driving bowlers under pressure to deliver in four-over quota further up the wall in IPL.
“Sometimes when I see him play, I say to myself that even in my wildest dreams I never dreamt of playing such shots. I didn’t even dare to play shots like he does.”
Asked if it was proper for youngsters watching de Villiers in action to try such shots, Dravid agreed they will.
“If you have talent and ability then these guys (de Villiers and Brendon McCullum) have shown the way. You have to be careful about not injuring yourself because you need helmet and other body armours.
“Youngsters will definitely practice shots. The game keeps developing and the top players keep showing the way.”
He added: “Viv Richards did with his attacking cricket. Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharane changed the concept of batting in the first 15 overs. There are a lot more shots being played in Tests.
“AB is a naturally attacking player. Virender Sehwag showed it for India for so many years. He was an exceptional Test batsman and had an incredible strike rate. He played, if not similarly, in almost the same vein in all three formats.”
Dravid concluded: “Batsmen like AB de Villiers and McCullum have that ability to adapt. Great players adjust and change the game according to what the situation demands. If they come to the IPL, they play differently. They have the skill to also play a Test match in England two weeks later and play completely different.”
Dravid was speaking on the sidelines of a CSR initiative by RR, supporting welfare of the girl child by pledging two per cent annual profits in current financial year towards the cause. The Jaipur franchise tied-up with two NGOs (Aangan and British Asian Trust).
“Cricket is about partnerships and this partnership is something we as the playing group look to support.” The CSR project is named 'Bat for the Girl Child.'
