This IPL-II has been a redefining moment of the Twenty20 format. A lot of notions could now be tossed out of the window. For one, it's not just a batsman's game. This redefines the core of cricket for this game has always been considered a batsman's sport. Bowlers are now seen as critical components.
It's also just not a young man's sport. Youth will occupy the majority of the eleven but experience matters and we must thank the Tendulkars and Jayasuriyas; Haydens and Gilchrists; Warnes and Kumbles for this reminder. Four of these gentlemen have hung up their boots; another has said good bye to Test
cricket. The tribe of spinners will forever by grateful to the IPL. They are not easy to hit and they are winning matches for their sides. Teams such as Delhi are now fielding two spinners in every game; the Rajasthan Royals are opening with a spinner. For long we have thought that spinners need close-in fielders and long spells to be in business. Playing on big grounds in South Africa is a big help and as the tournament progresses they will come into play more as the pitches slow up.
The No 4 position has also assumed a critical role. As AB de Villiers and Tillakaratne Dilshan have shown, you need to buttress the loss of openers in case of a bad start. Look at the KKR: Once the openers fail, the innings just doesn't pick up. The failure of Kevin Pietersen is another case in point — it helps if a No 4 can use his feet and is a good player of spin.
{{/usCountry}}The No 4 position has also assumed a critical role. As AB de Villiers and Tillakaratne Dilshan have shown, you need to buttress the loss of openers in case of a bad start. Look at the KKR: Once the openers fail, the innings just doesn't pick up. The failure of Kevin Pietersen is another case in point — it helps if a No 4 can use his feet and is a good player of spin.
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