The 2021 Indian Premier League is not failing to entertain the fans with its element of unpredictability. Be it the team batting or bowling first, despite the teams getting off to a terrific start, it has been not easy to predict who would have the last laugh.Meanwhile, the teams have struggled significantly in the second innings, with the batsmen failing to connect the ball, while the bowlers are finding it hard to bowl with the wet balls. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul feels that changing the ball in the second innings could aid the bowling side and help in keeping the competition clean.
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"I think that [changing the ball] will really be fair to the team bowling second, and I am not just saying that because I am on the losing side. I think that's only fair that the team bowling second doesn't have such a huge disadvantage. Our bowlers try and practice their skills with the wet ball, but when you go out in the middle with the pressure, it's always difficult. I did ask the umpires to change the ball a couple of times, but again, it's not in the rulebook, so that's how the game goes; we've got to take it," Rahul told Star Sports.
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"It was not something that was unexpected. When we come to Wankhede, we know that bowling second is always a challenge. We, as a bowling unit, tried to prepare for such conditions as well, but, again, it does get a bit difficult in a game situation, and especially when you are bowling against quality batters," Rahul added.
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Rahul was backed by his opening PBKS teammate Mayank Agarwal who clarified that the teams batting second are aided by the dew since the bowling teams are struggling, especially during the matches in Mumbai. Of the five games at Wankhede this season, four of the teams chasing have won, with Rajasthan Royals the only side to miss out, losing by just four runs against PBKS.
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"It wasn't as easy [the first innings] as it looked in the second innings. I thought the Delhi Capitals batted exceedingly well, and also, there was a dew factor. We cannot do much about it as players. It just boils down to execution under pressure and practising that. That's as much as you can do as a player. Those are the things that are in our control. Obviously, we cannot do much apart from that," Mayank concluded.
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Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni, too, reasoned that the 7.30 pm start is aiding the team chasing. He reflected that the dew already sets in during an 8 pm start, which was not the case in the 7.30 beginning.
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