Manohar pads up for key meeting
MUMBAI: Having taken over the most powerful seat in world cricket, expectations are high from Shashank Manohar, the new BCCI president.
He has promised to put his house in order in two months, and Sunday will provide an early indicator whether he has it in him to walk the talk.
In the working committee meeting, the onus is on Manohar & Co to provide clarity on the IPL. Crucial will be what they decide on the two suspended IPL teams, Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals. An easy way will be to go with the recommendations of the working group formed to study the Justice RM Lodha panel’s report.
It is known to have recommended inviting bids for two news teams for the next two seasons, and have CSK and RR back once they serve the two-year suspension. Though a majority of the BCCI members are not in favour of terminating the suspension, with Manohar in the chair, the possibility is not ruled out.
Among other key issues will be the notice served by PepsiCo to withdraw as IPL sponsor. HTC The changes made to power play rules a few years back made life miserable for bowlers in one-day cricket with the dice loaded heavily in favour of the batsmen.
The recent rule changes, especially the scrapping of the batting power play and allowing five fielders outside the 30-yard circle in the last 10 overs means some of the lost sting has been returned to the bowlers. Bowlers and captains can plan properly because, with five fielders riding the boundary, the possibility of bouncing back from a bit of tap is realistic.
However, the state of mind of the batsmen hasn’t changed and they are looking to be as aggressive as they were. So, it becomes imperative for India that the bowling group has variety and no bowler or bowling combination becomes too predictable.
I am of the opinion that Ishant