Kolkata Knight Riders’ spinner Varun Chakaravarthy highlighted the unique challenges of IPL 2024, a season defined by high-scoring matches and the strategic use of the Impact Player rule.
Speaking after his side’s win against Delhi Capitals on a rare bowler-friendly pitch, Chakaravarthy acknowledged the difficulty bowlers have faced this year. His exceptional figures of 4-0-16-3 played a crucial role in KKR’s victory, a much-needed turnaround after their previous loss where they failed to defend a mammoth 262.
Chakaravarthy credited the turning Eden Gardens pitch for aiding his bowling, a stark contrast to the typically flat tracks seen this season. He pointed out that the length of deliveries hasn’t changed, but the behavior of the wicket has made a world of difference.
He also discussed the team’s recovery from the demoralizing defeat and the support they received from management, including co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. Khan’s message to “not take it personally” and accept the high-scoring nature of the tournament resonated with Chakaravarthy.
Chakaravarthy believes the Impact Player rule, introduced last year, has significantly impacted team strategies. Teams are now exploiting the additional batting depth to be more aggressive from the start. He feels bowlers need to mentally adapt to this new reality and accept the challenge.
While acknowledging the pressure on bowlers, Chakaravarthy praised his team’s new-ball bowlers, Pat Cummins and Vaibhav Arora, for picking up early wickets and restricting the Delhi Capitals’ total. He believes that if Delhi had reached a score closer to 190, the outcome could have been different.
This article sheds light on the challenges bowlers face in IPL 2024 and the impact of the Impact Player rule on team strategies. It also highlights the importance of mental adjustment for bowlers in this high-scoring environment.
