Kolkata: In its initial five decades, cricket underwent minimal transformation, adhering closely to traditional norms. The subsequent fifty years saw attempts to modernize the sport with innovations such as covered pitches, helmets for batsmen, six-ball overs, and the elimination of rest days, though these changes were not particularly radical. The introduction of one-day cricket brought about colored uniforms, white balls, dark sight screens, and enhanced camera angles, yet it took two decades before any significant alterations to the game were made. The arrival of T20 cricket, however, marked a revolutionary shift.

This change began rather unassumingly. Recall the inaugural T20 international match between Australia and New Zealand in 2005? Players donned floppy hats, sunglasses, and vintage-style shirts, giving the impression of a casual, one-off event. At that time, few anticipated that T20 would have a lasting impact. Yet, just two years later, the first ICC T20 World Cup took place, followed by the launch of the IPL a year after that. The very first match demonstrated how the format could disrupt the established norms of the game. This was particularly evident to Rahul Dravid and Wasim Jaffer, who found themselves struggling to adapt to the new dynamics after Brendon McCullum's explosive 158 runs off just 73 balls, which set the stage for a significant transformation in cricket.

Central to these changes was the emphasis on brevity, which gradually diminished the reliance on predetermined batting orders, bowling strategies, and field placements. In this format, with 10 wickets available over 20 overs, teams can afford to lose a wicket every two overs, making a score of 60/3 after the first six overs quite respectable. This perspective significantly reduces the risk involved, yet not all franchises or national teams adapted to this shift simultaneously. This was particularly true for teams with batsmen who believed that taking 20 balls to settle in was acceptable, even if it meant sacrificing one-sixth of their total deliveries for minimal gains.

The Indian team that triumphed in the T20 World Cup in 2024 was fundamentally different in ideology from the squad that faced England in the 2022 semi-final. This shift stemmed from the top three batters adopting an anchor-style approach to their play. While this strategy remains relevant, it now comes with specific conditions. Each anchor must be complemented by another player capable of aggressive shot-making, regardless of the quality of the deliveries faced. An example of this is Rohit Sharma, who effectively supported Virat Kohli during the T20 World Cup. This dual approach is now essential across all formats.

The unconventional has become the new standard. Batters routinely practice ramp and scoop shots, and they are encouraged to think big. Quick singles are acceptable, with the occasional two, but the primary focus should be on maximizing runs. Not all technically proficient batters can consistently achieve this. As gaps in performance became evident, the role of the Test specialist emerged, followed by the rise of multiformat specialists. Today, we are witnessing a surge in T20 specialists. The demand for allrounders and strategic flexibility has increased, leading to the establishment of left-right batting pair matchups, a practice popularized by Gautam Gambhir. The role of the middle-over enforcer, both in batting and bowling, has gained prominence. The traditional notion that the two most effective bowlers should start the innings has diminished, as teams are now willing to lose wickets if it means maintaining a healthy run rate.

Consequently, bowlers have had to adapt quickly. Traditional yorkers have become less effective, prompting the introduction of slower, wider variations. The slower bouncer and carrom ball have proven to be game-changers. Spinners are increasingly being asked to open the bowling, as taking pace off the ball is crucial for preventing batters from gaining momentum. Batters, too, have had to reassess their strategies, recognizing that individual scores of a hundred or fifty do not always guarantee victory. This is evident in the performances of players like Jos Buttler and KL Rahul, where quick contributions, such as a 10-ball 30 or a 20-ball 45, have become increasingly valuable.

It is quite uncommon to encounter a strategist of the game, such as MS Dhoni, who possesses the insight to determine precisely how long to prolong a chase before concluding it with a few impactful overs. Even he was not able to achieve perfection consistently. No one has managed to do so. This illustrates the dynamic nature of T20 cricket. It transcends being merely a format; it has evolved into an entirely distinct sport.

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