One Two Ka 20

In continuation to my previous blog “All Out At 40”, here are top 10 reasons why T20s will rule:

1. Us spectators, selfish me:

In a T20 match, there is so much going on; the game itself, the cheerleaders, the fireworks, the celebrities. It is like a carnival.

2. Fair game:

The game is more fair for both the batsmen and the bowlers. Bowlers savor their every single dot ball, batsmen savor their shots, and spectators get to see an intense contest that doesn't last too long to leave the Television set (Are advertisers reading this??)

3. Bowler friendly:

For bowlers, although it may appear to be more brutal, it actually will not be. They have to bowl only 4 overs at the maximum per match. Bowler trauma reduced from 10 overs to 4 overs. Each dot ball will be treasured. It will worth saving about 3 runs per dot ball. In fact, I would recommend, the bowling statistics to be represented differently in T20s. Instead of
Overs-Maidens-Runs-Wickets, it should read,
Balls bowled-Dot balls-Runs-Wickets

4. Batsman friendly:

Similarly for batsmen, although it appears to be demanding, it actually makes them bat for a maximum of 20 overs. And on an average, for the really good batsmen in T20s, they would (or rather afford to) hog the crease for about a maximum of 10 overs. Currently, batsmen play for about 10 overs in ODIs easily, and more. Sachin Tendulkar played all 50 overs without a runner. Go figure!!

5. Lesser player fatigue:

We will see lesser player injuries due to shorter duration of the game. Current international cricket schedule is extremely strenuous, leaving players injured every other series. Australia's tour of India in 2009 made more headlines due to player injuries than anything else. We'll see lesser and lesser high profile players retiring from the mainstream, if T20s become mainstream

6. Cricket Argentina:

Creates a level playing field. Any team that can get hold of themselves in a given match has a chance to win. Takes out the high level of skill needed that second rung teams take decades of years to build upon. Didn't we see Netherlands beat England in a T20? Will we see Argentina's team in world cricket?

7. Go Mumbai Indians!

T20 promises to bring in club culture into cricket, thus reducing international cricket and increasing domestic leagues all over. This will allow more player exchanges between local and international clubs, thus giving local players a chance to act big than they ever would, in current international cricket arena. This also implies more money for players and organizers, and greater exciting tournaments for us fans, like the Champions league, IPL and the like.

8. World Cup:

World Cup wouldn't have meant so much more!

9. Cricket? What?

Cricket will gain more respect and recognition than ever before. Cricket will spread to nations other than the Commonwealth countries. Isn't T20 cricket a part of forthcoming Olympics?

10. Tests - The Burning Issue:

T20s and Test cricket have a stark difference in their formats compared to Tests and ODIs. This highly increases the possibility that Test cricket will survive due to sheer contrast.