Keys for success

T20 cricket and IPL continues to get better setting the bar higher with every game. Each game has its own pulse based on many factors such as how results went teams' way so far in the tournament, each team's position in the points table, toss win/loss, dew, player's form/headspace and each of these factors has a say in how each match unfolds. However, irrespective of all these factors, there are a few principles which if followed will always increase any team's chances of a win. Some of these are captured below and this list will be revised intermittently as new lessons are learned and new insights gleaned.

 

1. Maximizing power play fielding restrictions: Intent to start scoring right from the get go is appreciable but things tend to click well if the batter gets his eye in. This may be just one shot for a batter and an over or two for others as per their form and how the pitch is behaving. Start looking to score at a brisk rate only after getting acclimatized and comfortable is the wise thing. Any attempt before that may result in a futile wicket. Even a well-set batter may get out to a great ball, which is unavoidable. These kinds of dismissals are well earned by the bowling team. However, any attempt to hit before getting set is just gifting the wicket to the opposition. 

 2. If the batter is unable to settle and score even after taking time, with each passing ball the pressure is bound to increase. If the shackles are not broken, eventually the batter will succumb and get out trying something injudicious. More time the batter spends at the crease, the chances of finding form increase.  It takes just one shot for things to fall into place for the batter. If things are not working out, take a single and get off strike. May be the other batter is seeing it well. In a spell of tight bowling if a batter is unable to score of the first five balls of the over, don't place all your bets on the last ball and try to hit it for a six. The odds of that working out is less and the odds of a wicket are high. One more dot ball is still OK instead of a wicket lost. If the batter gets set next over, is most likely to make up for the maiden later.

3. If the opposition has a bowler bowling very well or has had an edge over the batter in the previous encounters, it is wiser and more productive to get off the strike rather than trying to set the record straight.

4. In a high-pressure chase, if the batting team has a set batter scoring high early can ease the pressure later. However, if the going is tough, take it deep. Things may look too difficult now but one great over or a couple of good overs later can change things drastically.

5. If a senior batter is at the other end, the batter's job is to play risk free cricket, score off the bad balls and give the senior partner most of the strike. 

6. As a batter, whenever play resumes after any break, play cautiously for a couple of balls, even if results in dot balls. Losing your wicket is costlier than dot balls.

7. As a bowling team, if the batters are playing really well, keep the energy high and control the controllable(s). One wicket brought about by exceptional fielding, a great catch or an inspired spell can change the opposition's fortune.