Ashwin Stresses On Bowlers' Batting Skills In T20 Cricket's Future

Ravichandran Ashwin has stated that the Impact Player rule is not the sole reason for high scores in IPL 2024. He emphasised that bowlers must also be proficient hitters to thrive in modern T20 cricket.

The 37-year-old made these remarks after being named Man of the Match in the IPL 2024 Eliminator against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Wednesday. The Rajasthan Royals spinner took two wickets for 19 runs in four overs, helping his team secure a four-wicket victory over RCB.

This season has seen remarkable batting performances, with teams surpassing the 200-run mark 41 times and breaching the 250-run mark on eight occasions during the league stage. The highest team total of 287 runs was also recorded in this edition.

"Even if the impact player rule wasn't there, scores would be this high," Ashwin said on JioCinema Match Centre Live after their win over RCB. "In my opinion, batters have more confidence and pitches everywhere have been standardised."

Ashwin further added, "In the future, all bowlers will need to be hitters because we know that no matter how well we bowl, we also need to be able to bat. The game is headed in that direction."

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has criticised the rule, arguing that it hampers the development of all-rounders in the country. Star batter Virat Kohli believes it disrupts the balance of the game.

The rule was formally adopted in the 2023 edition of the IPL after a trial in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy domestic T20s. BCCI secretary Jay Shah recently mentioned that the rule was implemented on a 'test case' basis and is not permanent. Shah also stated that board authorities would consult stakeholders before making a final decision on this contentious rule.

Ashwin's Journey This Season

Coming off a demanding five-match home Test series against England, where he was India's leading wicket-taker in their 4-1 win, Ashwin revealed he had to overcome an abdominal injury. He started performing at his best only towards the latter part of the competition.

"My tournament has gone in two halves. The first half was coming off the Test series, so my body didn't feel fresh. My arm speed wasn't there and I also had an injury, an abdomen tear. I played through the injury but didn't get much bowling time or repetitions," Ashwin explained.

"I am someone who depends on bowling repetitions. Over the last 6-7 games, I feel like my rhythm came back. I was able to bowl off spin. I changed my action slightly. My plan was simple. I came with a single-minded focus on changing the line and length of my deliveries and it was executed well," he added.

Praise for Riyan Parag

Ashwin also praised Riyan Parag's maturity and progress since making his debut as an 18-year-old in IPL 2019.

"It's important to give batters, especially junior batters, role clarity. Riyan came into the team as a 17-year-old child and he's matured over the years, getting role clarity for the first time this season," Ashwin said.

"I never doubted his ability. The shot he hit over the covers tonight, not many batters can hit that. Based on his talent and how his season has gone, I think he can reach wherever he wants to," he concluded.