In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, where muscle power often steals the spotlight, a refreshing trend has emerged during this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL). While explosive batting and big sixes usually dominate the narrative, players like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Sai Sudharsan are bucking this trend. These players are proving that there’s more to the game than just hitting hard and fast.
Adding to this list of skillful players are K L Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane, both of whom have found a way to reinvent their game and adapt to the evolving demands of T20 cricket. Despite the increasing reliance on power-hitting in the shorter format, these players have maintained their distinctive playing styles without compromising on their effectiveness. Their consistent performances highlight the importance of technical proficiency and adaptability, even in the face of changing pitch conditions and game strategies.
A noteworthy aspect of this IPL has been the slower nature of many pitches. Teams are now realizing the true value of "true batters," those who possess solid technique and can consistently accumulate runs without necessarily relying on boundary-hitting or explosive shots. Kohli, for instance, is leading the runs tally with a staggering 505 runs at an impressive strike rate of 143.46. Not far behind him is Sudharsan, who has scored just one run less but at an even higher strike rate of over 150. These players have shown that even in a game where sixes are hard to come by, having the ability to rotate the strike and find gaps for boundaries is crucial.
This shift in focus has reignited the debate around the role of anchors in T20 cricket. Previously, anchors were seen as outdated, but this season’s IPL has given them a new lease on life. With batting conditions becoming more challenging, players like Kohli, Gill, and Sudharsan are proving that staying grounded and focused on consistency is as valuable as hitting big shots.
As MSK Prasad, the former chief selector of the Indian team, rightly points out, technical soundness is a significant factor in this form of the game. "Though T20 is a game of muscle, if you see all those guys who are technically sound, they are more consistent than the others," Prasad told PTI. He highlights that players with strong technical abilities, like Kohli, Rahul, and Gill, have shown that consistency is key in T20s, particularly when the pitches are slower and the game demands more controlled stroke play.
These technically adept players are more than just consistent; they are also adaptable. Prasad emphasizes that adaptability is the secret to success in T20 cricket. Whether facing fast bowlers or spinners, these players are at ease with both types of challenges. "Adaptability is the key," says Prasad. "They have developed a game that works on both sides of the pitch. Those who are very good at playing along the ground are also very good at playing in the air in the same direction."
Virat Kohli, typically not known for his slog sweeps, has showcased his evolving game this IPL. In a memorable match against Chennai Super Kings at Chinnaswamy, Kohli played a stunning slog sweep off Ravindra Jadeja, sending the ball flying for a six. This was followed by a clean aerial strike over extra cover, proving that even players who are traditionally known for their classic stroke play are learning to adapt to the changing demands of the T20 format.
Shubman Gill has been another standout performer. Leading Gujarat Titans from the front, he has partnered with Sudharsan to form one of the most formidable opening pairs in IPL 2025. Both players have shown that they don’t need to resort to an all-out slam-bang approach to score runs. Instead, they rely on their conventional stroke-making and solid technique, proving that T20 cricket isn’t just about power but also about precision and control.
KL Rahul, despite not being part of the Indian team since the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, has forced his way into the wicket-keeper’s debate for the 2023 World Cup with his performances in the IPL. Batting in the middle-order, Rahul has consistently improved his strike rate, rising from 136 last season to an impressive 146 this season. His transformation is a testament to the platform that the IPL provides players to prove themselves and make a comeback, even when they have been out of the international fold for a while. As Prasad points out, "That is the beauty of IPL. If you are not picked for T20 format, you have a platform to prove and come back. That’s exactly what K L has done. He should be playing all formats."
This IPL season has also seen a shift in the way the game is being analyzed. Kevin Pietersen, the former England cricketer and mentor for Delhi Capitals, spoke about the value of being a technically sound batter on challenging pitches. "On wickets like these, you can't play that way and you've got to be methodical, you've got to find rhythm," Pietersen said. He further explained that true batters are the ones who can adapt to the situation and play with control. "That’s where you see the true batter, the real batter that can come out there and sort of monitor the situation. It looks effortless because they’ve built a technique for 20 years, 30 years."
Pietersen’s words ring true as we see players like Kohli, Gill, and Rahul proving that T20 cricket isn’t just about big hits. These players have built their techniques over years of practice and experience, and they are showing that even on slower, more challenging pitches, skill and consistency can win the day.
In summary, this IPL has witnessed a remarkable shift in the way T20 cricket is being played. While power-hitting and big sixes still have their place, the true value of technical skill, adaptability, and consistency has come to the fore. Players like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, K L Rahul, and Ajinkya Rahane are redefining what it means to be successful in T20 cricket. These "true batters" have proven that in a format often dominated by brute force, technical proficiency still holds its ground and can shine on the biggest stage.
As the IPL progresses, it’s clear that the game is evolving, and those who can blend power with technique and adaptability will be the ones to set the trends for the future.
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