The nature of Twenty20 cricket is evolving at a rapid pace. Once considered the more entertaining yet less competitive format, T20s are now attracting some of the biggest hitters in world cricket. These aggressive batsmen specialize in clearing the ropes with astonishing regularity and are redefining the art of run-scoring in the shortest format.
While traditional run-getters continue to hold their own, it seems the modern power-hitter is increasingly taking over headline duties. The ongoing season of the highly popular Indian Premier League has highlighted this changing of guards, with in-form players like Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen dominating proceedings. Their free-flowing strokeplay has helped set imposing team totals that are difficult for opposing sides to chase.
Even established run-machines like Virat Kohli are finding it hard to keep up. Once a regular run-scoring monster in all three formats, Kohli's conservative approach in the middle overs has drawn some criticism. While he remains a key player for his IPL franchise, questions are being asked about his place in India's T20 World Cup plans later this year.
The level of explosiveness now on display has taken bowling to the cleaners. 230-250 now seems the minimum target in most T20 games. Bowlers are left struggling for answers as batsmen clear the ropes with utmost disdain. Fielding restrictions and small grounds further aid the power-hitters in maximizing scoring opportunities.
With runs coming at a furious pace, the threshold for what defines a good T20 total is also being regularly reset. Match-winners of the past would often strive to post 160-170. But the new generation of six-hitting specialists are rendering such scores redundant through their incredible brute force. Travis Head's swashbuckling knock of 102 runs from 41 balls for Sunrisers Hyderabad says it all.
T20 cricket is evolving into a true batsman's game at breathtaking speed. While purists may feel nostalgic about traditional run-making methods, the onus is now firmly on big hits and boundary percentages. Skillful power-hitters who can clear the ropes with both pace and placement hold the key in this high-octane format. The fans surely won't have it any other way.
