The legend Krish Srikanth paved way for challenging the quickies and was popular for making quick runs. His style was termed as Swashbuckling. Later in 90s, Sanath Jayasuriya and Kulwitharna cashed in the early overs of the innings while the fielders were inside. The inspiration of these players lead into a new category called as pinch hitters. The pinch hitters were purely “hit and Miss” category of players.
The format of T20 became more popular for the shorter version and less appreciative for the skill of the players. The fans and pundits felt that the skills are needed for ODI/Test Cricket and just blind bashing for T20. The T20
has evolved so much but one factor remained common across
the formats which I will get to it little later.
The expectation of fans from their “star” players is a conundrum difficult to solve in T20. Any player in T20 is like a person running along a moving bus to board. If timing is correct, you are in or you miss. The timing is the key for successful of players along with power.
In my opinion, here are the attributes a T20 batter should possess:
The openers should possess good timing, play late and powerful hitting from the crease. Butler, Samson,
Williamson, Abhishek, Shikhar, Gill are some players who stand out in 2022.
Middle order should possess good timing, power and an extra skill of mental calmness. Dhoni, Hardik, Dinesh and Maxwell are pick from this season.
Lower order with little bit of everything and courage to negotiate is needed. They are pinch hitters. Pat Cummins and Rashid Khan fit the bill.
The timing is the common factor among all the stars from 1980s to the T20 era. Pinch hitters are one-off champions and batters with timing take on the journey to become stars.
Rohit had an average of 217(Test) while also holding 73.57(ODI) and strike rate of 171 in 2017. Virat holds 68(Test), 59(ODI) and T20 strike rate of 147 in the year 2019. This is only a small sample from their stats. The display across three formats are commendable any day.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are just a victim of bad timing with the bat at the moment. The Stardom in them is unquestionable.
Probably they are saving their best for the T20 World Cup 2022. Bring it on.
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