T20 has positives but has left boards with challenges
Hashim Amla has been on a roll in the IPL. He is one of the four centurions in this edition, apart from being the most consistent batsman for Kings XI Punjab.
With 315 runs in eight matches, Amla is among the top-scorers. Yet, the South Africa batsman has not deviated from playing proper cricketing shots to achieve those runs – a habit he would not change, he says.
Amla, among many others, has shown it’s not always necessary to resort to the unconventional to succeed in the shortest format. He is appreciative of the impact T20 cricket has had on fans, yet acknowledges the growing tendency among players to leave their national teams for franchise leagues as a concern. Excerpts:
You have seen T20 since it started gaining prominence. How has it changed?
There is lot more strategy involved now. When it started, there was no experience to strategise. But now more strategy has come based on the history. That has been the biggest change. Earlier, everyone thought they have to hit every ball for a boundary. Now teams have realised that’s necessarily not the way to win a game and do it consistently. As the years go on, you understand the format a little bit better, and understand your game. Over the years, I have tried to find what is best for me with the way I bat. This edition has been good so far.
The growth of T20 has meant players giving preference to leagues over national teams...
We will probably see T20’s impact even more as the years go by. The positive side is that it has increased the fans’ desire to see the game a lot. It has also brought some challenges as most cricket boards would say. But every board has its own circumstances to deal with. The impact has been there. There is no doubt about it. There has been positive and also challenges that have come with it.
You have been part of other franchise leagues as well. How do you think IPL is different?
It is a lot more busy here. In this edition of the IPL, the games have been pretty tightly scheduled considering the travel and the playing days. It does take a toll mentally and physically. However, the crowds are brilliant here and got to all the matches.
KXIP are placed fifth in the points table. How do you see your position?
The next few matches are vitally important to make it to the playoffs. There are a couple of teams on equal points in the table, which is exciting. Our preparation is good and we’ll give ourselves the best chance to qualify for the next stage.
Considering your batting style, has opening helped in scoring consistently?
Yes, I think batting in the top three does allow the opportunity to play normal cricket shots and still get value as the field is up. Some of the grounds in India are small and the field is quick. It allows you to set it up for the guys at the end who may not be as technically correct.