Ishan Kishan has come out with a similar statement to that of KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, saying that strike rate, and even averages in T20 cricket overrated.
The big topic of what should be the ideal strike rate and average and whether the tempo of batting in T20 cricket should be based on situation has engrossed fans for a while. Even India’s two of the biggest superstars – Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – had recently spoken their differing opinions.
Ishan Kishan, who is currently playing for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2023, asserted that if the team is chasing a big target, then you will have to bat aggressively, however, if there is a slow, spin-friendly surface, a batter will have to adjust this tempo and shelve off that aggression.
Ishan Kishan said: “Strike rate and average are overrated in T20 Cricket. They don’t take into account the match situation. Playing according to match situation is the most important. You’ve to take risks in a high run chase, but when the pitch is tricky like Lucknow, there’s no role of 250 Strike Rate there. If you are chasing 140-150 on a tough pitch, then 200 or 250 strike rate is not needed.”
This was met with plenty of trolling on Ishan Kishan:
Ishan Kishan has done well in the IPL 2023 so far: 454 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 142 with 3 half-centuries, playing a crucial role in Mumbai Indians reaching the playoffs and the Qualifier 2.
Speaking on the tempo to bat in T20 cricket, India and MI captain Rohit Sharma shared his opinions, stating that there is no need of an anchor batsman in modern T20 cricket.
“As I see it, there is no role for an anchor now. It is just how T20 cricket is played these days, unless you are 20 for 3 or 4, which is not going to happen every day,” Rohit said. “Once in a while, you will be in that position and then someone needs to anchor the innings and finish off to a good score. [But] there is no role for an anchor anymore, guys are playing differently.”
“If you do not change your mindset, you are going to get smashed. People on the other side are thinking about the game differently and taking it to the next level. All seven batters need to play their role, I believe that if you get a good score, it is good, but even if you get a good 30-40 off just 10-15 or 20 balls, it is as good because you are doing the role for the team. The game has changed.”
