Sachin Tendulkar has scored at an average of 37.22 and a strike-rate of almost 120 in 64 Indian Premier League matches © AFP
By CricketCountry Staff
Bangalore: May 25, 2012
Former Indian off-spinner EAS Prasanna believes that the Indian Premier League can come up with new innovations in the near future to make the game more exciting.
“Maybe after a few years you could have a rule — eight to bat and 11 to field. These restrictions will test the captain as he has to use bowling options from within this eight-member team while he can have three additional fielders. It will also add an element of uncertainty and make the match more interesting,” he said.
Prasanna believes, the big bucks of the extravagant tournament has had its own benefits.
“There is big money in IPL, but look at the larger picture – how many domestic cricketers can play for India? Now, with the IPL, many players are getting instant recognition. In distant towns, where cricket would have just been a recreational sport, parents now feel that the game can provide stability to their children, as IPL teams need more local players.”
Prasanna believes IPL shouldn’t be a place to judge a player’s technique.
“It all depends on the mindset of a player. No bowler can think “Oh, I am bowling to Chris Gayle and it will be difficult.”
A spinner has to bowl according to the match situation and not get bogged down by the batsman, be it a Gayle or a Sachin Tendulkar. Now, people are talking about the off-spinner Sunil Narine, who plays for the Kolkata Knight Riders,” he was quoted as saying to The Hindu.
“Let him play in Tests and then I will pass my judgement,” he added.
The Banglorean also said that the string of controversies have not dented the charm of IPL.
“I believe that the IPL is a strong brand, and if there are off-field issues, you cannot blame the Board of Control for Cricket in India. It's all about individual players and team managements. The recent controversies are, perhaps, a wake-up call for the owners,” he concluded.
