'IPL 2025 might see 300-run mark': AB de Villiers
What's the story
Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star AB de Villiers has made an exciting prediction for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. He feels the 300-run benchmark could be breached this year. His prediction comes after he witnessed a lot of changes in batting strategies since the introduction of the Impact Player rule in IPL. De Villiers said, "We might just see that 300-run mark breached in this IPL season."
Game changer
Impact Player rule has transformed the game
De Villiers emphasized how the Impact Player rule has transformed the cash-rich league. He said it enables top-three batters to take more risks, which he finds a bit unfair. The former cricketer elaborated that fielding restrictions and more freedom for the top order make things difficult for bowlers but exciting for batters. This change in strategy could possibly result in higher scores this season, he predicted.
Strategy shift
Changes in batting strategies due to this rule
As mentioned, the introduction of an impact player has resulted in a massive spike in scores across IPL matches. Teams that once depended on anchoring-role at the top have now allowed batters to go all out. This rule effectively makes an IPL game a 12-player per-side contest. As it allows teams to operate with five specialist bowlers, the need for an all-rounder has reduced.
Information
Record totals in IPL 2024
The 2024 season saw the top four highest totals in IPL history. Sunrisers Hyderabad went berserk after scoring 287/3 against RCB. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings chased down a record 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders, now the highest successful run-chase in the tournament.
Captaincy challenge
De Villiers backs Rajat Patidar
Besides, RCB's captain Rajat Patidar is set for his new venture. Speaking about Patidar stepping into big shoes left by former captains like Faf Du Plessis and Virat Kohli, de Villiers advised Patidar to "trust his game" and remember why he was chosen for captaincy. He suggested Patidar should lead in his own unique style, not like Kohli or du Plessis.