MUMBAI: Fast bowlers often face a tough challenge in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on sub-continent pitches. Even the quickest deliveries don’t intimidate batters much, as they tend to excel on slower surfaces where the ball comes off the bat more quickly.

Just ask Jofra Archer. In a match on Sunday in Hyderabad, the Rajasthan Royals bowler had a rough outing, giving up 50 runs in just 2.4 overs by the 13th over. He finished with a staggering 4-0-76-0, marking the most expensive bowling performance in IPL history, while Sunrisers Hyderabad piled up 286 runs, the second-highest total in the league.

In these conditions, there’s nowhere to hide. When the pressure’s on, a bowler’s best strategy is to mix up their pace and use clever variations.

With bats and players getting stronger and more skilled at power-hitting, it’s tough to avoid getting hit unless you master the art of disguising your deliveries. South Africa's Kagiso Rabada emphasizes how crucial it is for fast bowlers to constantly adjust their pace in T20 matches.

"You can't stick to the same rhythm all the time because the batter will catch on to your bowling pace. Mixing it up is essential since it creates confusion, making the batters more likely to mistime their shots or play a poor stroke," explains Rabada, who is set to lead the Gujarat Titans' bowling attack this season.

Rabada made these comments around the time of the SRH versus Rajasthan Royals match on Sunday afternoon, where Archer, the fast bowler from England and one of the quickest in the tournament, was being hit for nearly 20 runs an over.

Discussing the importance of variations, the South African speedster noted that slower balls can serve as both a defensive and offensive strategy. "You can use them in either way. The goal is to get the batter out and disrupt their rhythm. If you can throw them off balance and make them play a false shot, that’s the desired outcome."

When it comes to timing your deliveries, he said, "It all depends on the conditions and what the pitch is doing; you can bowl a slower ball at any moment." The experienced 29-year-old has taken 566 international wickets, with 226 of those in T20s at an economy rate of 8.00. In the IPL, he has claimed 117 wickets in 80 matches, with an economy rate of 8.48.

Among his various bowling techniques, he considers "the standard off-cutter" to be the most effective.

In the intense world of cricket, lifting the saliva ban is set to benefit fast bowlers. Rabada mentioned, “Using saliva to shine the ball might boost everyone’s energy, and who knows, it could lead to some reverse swing. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Rabada, who was acquired by GT for ₹10.75 crore during the November auction, will call the massive 114,600-seat Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad his home ground this season. He’s excited about the chance to play in front of the Titans’ fans. “I hope we can fill the stadium once or twice; that would be amazing.”

For Rabada, who hails from Johannesburg and is accustomed to the atmosphere at the Bullring (The Wanderers Stadium), the Indian venue that feels most familiar is Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. “Absolutely, the vibe at the Bullring is electric, just like it is at Wankhede.”

Read Also: Rohit Sharma's Candid Remarks: "We've Been Trying to Win Our First IPL Match for Years"

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