Ravichandran Ashwin criticized the trend of small grounds and flat pitches in the IPL, expressing concern that it gives batters an unfair advantage.
With several teams eclipsing the 250-run mark in the IPL, the issue of small grounds and flat pitches has become a hot topic. Bowlers have been left battered and bruised, constantly facing the threat of sixes. Veteran Indian cricketer and RR spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently weighed in on the issue, adding his voice to the growing chorus of concern.
Ashwin opined that power-hitting is becoming too prevalent in T20 cricket, and its continuation will only make the game one-sided. “The stadiums built back in the day are not relevant in the modern day. The bats that were used back then were also used for gully cricket. With LED boards of the sponsors being used, the boundary has come in by 10 yards. It is tilting too far on the other side, which will make someone’s misery your great time. Bowlers will need a mental boost. The game shifts the balance, and you have to find answers. There’s [a] clear window to differentiate yourself,” Ashwin was quoted as saying by Sportstar.
Ashwin, however, acknowledged a silver lining for his team, the Rajasthan Royals. Their bowlers, he said, have thankfully maintained a positive outlook despite the challenges posed by the pitches. He then circled back to the issue of stadium size, reiterating his concerns.
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“The ground in Jaipur, the boundary, is huge. When I saw that, Dhruv Jurel said, ‘Bhaiyya, this is so big,’ and I told him, ‘Dhruv, at least let it be somewhere.’ Watching that, I felt that at this stage of my career, I would need a bicycle to reach the (Sawai Mansingh Stadium) boundary. Then, in the next stadium, I felt I could walk, and the next I could run, and then in one, I felt if I spit my chewing gum, it would cross the boundary rope for a six,” Ashwin concluded.
Ashwin’s performance this season, however, has not been ideal, as he only managed to bag 2 wickets from the 9 matches he has played and leaked 315 runs. He will be next seen donning the RR jersey against the Delhi Capitals on May 7th.
Last Updated on May 5, 2024
