Former Indian opening batter Sunil Gavaskar shared his view on present-day batters’ approach to ace the run chase in the Indian Premier League. As the 2023 IPL season proved to be a close one, many teams have failed to chase down totals as teams crumbled under pressure in the last moments of the game.
In the most recent chase, Sunrisers Hyderabad failed to chase down a low total against the under-performing Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants failed to go past the defending champions Gujarat Titans, having dominated the game until the 14th over of the chase.
KL Rahul-led side collapsed in the final six overs failing to score 30 runs for the last six overs with eight wickets in the hand. LSG skipper scored 68 off 61 balls before being dismissed in the final over by Mohit Sharma. Speaking on teams failing to chase down the total, Sunil Gavaskar feels the players go for big shots in the urge to become a hero rather than playing a less risky shot to win the game for their side.
“Whether it is pressure or the urge to be a hero, players go for the big shots when a couple of sensible, less risky shots can win the game. Sure, the net run rate is important to be aware of, but the priority always has to be to win the match and get the points,” Sunil Gavaskar said.
The Indian legend said that the priority should be winning the game and then the net-run rate can be taken into account. Even in a close Rajasthan Royals failed to chase down a score of 155 runs despite being comfortable to one stage of 87-1 at the 11.3 overs mark.
This Is Where The So-called Big Hitters Are Supposed To Earn – Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar feels it is important for the big hitters to close out games like these as they paid big money for playing in this kind of situation. Good finishers like Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran, and Heinrich Klassen have failed to complete the chase for their side in the close games.
“This is where the so-called big hitters are supposed to earn the megabucks they are given. On most occasions, they flatter to deceive with the odd six or two but are unable to take their team over the finish line,” Sunil Gavaskar added.
It will be interesting to see, how teams apply themselves in chases as the pitches will slow down as the tournament has progressed over the halfway stage.