SRH ace slower-ball test once again; RCB look ahead to Qualifier 1 after a loss
If there is a practical exam for the following question paper, then which team might be perched at the top of the podium — name the IPL side that aces the test for using slower deliveries? The answer could very well be Sunrisers Hyderabad. From Sakib Hussain, Eshan Malinga, Pat Cummins to old warhorses like Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat, they have the arsenal in this department of the game.
In fact, in the SRH-Royal Challengers Bengaluru game, when Virat Kohli was dismissed by Sakib’s off-cutter, an interesting stat sprang up on the screen — the franchise’s pacers have taken more wickets (18) with slower deliveries than any other team in this IPL. And their expertise in using change-ups serves as the essence of some of their wins in home conditions in Hyderabad.
On the given day, it was Sakib who perhaps was the pick of the seamers while ushering in those change-ups. There could be a combination of factors behind his success. Sakib imparts enough revs on the ball and his arm speed hardly changes. And that makes it difficult for a batter to decode his off-cutter. His hyperextension and the ability to follow up a variation with an offering that is considerably quicker also keep the batter guessing. Moreover, Sakib’s 11 o’clock release point creates the inward angle.
On expected lines, Sakib was pleased after taking the dream scalp of Kohli. He said, “Maza toh aya” (it was a joy for me). It isn’t just Sakib, as Malinga too has employed slower deliveries to good effect this season. The Sri Lankan pacer also has a deceptive short ball and generates contrast swing in the slog overs. Just add Harshal’s expertise and Cummins’ traits of bowling into-the-pitch slower deliveries, and it doesn’t become difficult to gauge why SRH have been very successful with their variations.
What about RCB, the losing side in this encounter? Logically, the defeat wouldn’t have dented RCB’s confidence. They still ended up perched at the top of the points table after playing 14 games in the league phase.
Their next challenge is Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala. Incidentally, the conditions in Dharamsala could be different from what we observed in Hyderabad. For starters, with the venue being at a high altitude, we have seen the ball travel faster and farther. We have also seen a touch of variable bounce. RCB have already played a game at that venue this season, but it was in the afternoon. Meanwhile, the Qualifier 1 clash will be played under lights.
It could turn out to be a matchup between GT’s tall boys’ club — the pace attack — and RCB’s batting unit. Of course, we can’t forget Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the Purple Cap holder and the mainstay of the RCB seam attack. But with Josh Hazlewood struggling a tad for form, GT might have a slight edge in that regard.
Can SRH chisel out a route via the Eliminator round? What about RCB going all the way and lifting their second trophy in two seasons? Oh! If that becomes a reality, then the entire city of Bengaluru will rejoice once again. For now, all that the fans of both sides can do is patiently wait for the action to unfold over the coming week. Although there is no harm in dreaming.
The post SRH ace slower-ball test once again; RCB look ahead to Qualifier 1 after a loss appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.
Comments
Post a Comment