To provide bowlers with more attack in the batting-heavy Twenty20 format, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has decided to permit two bouncers every over beginning in 2024. Reactions to this regulation modification have been conflicting. Liam Livingstone, the batter for the Punjab Kings, is one of many prepared to take on this task head-on.
The modern game is becoming more and more skewed towards batters, with bowlers looking for any kind of advantage. By allowing one extra bouncer per over, the bowlers have an additional tool at their disposal to counter the big hitters.
In T20 cricket, one of the things that batters must do is play a bouncer. I don’t think it matters if they can bowl one or two in an over. It is our responsibility as batters to develop the technique to be able to knock it for six if it is coming at us, Livingstone told Hindustan Times.
Uncertain of the quantity of bouncers bowlers would desire: Liam Livingstone
The aggressive Englishman views the possibility of more short-pitched bowling as a fresh opportunity to attack rather than as something to be afraid of.
“Now that bowlers have more alternatives, you attempt to hit a bouncer for six instead of a yorker for six. On larger grounds, it will be more effective. Before the Punjab Kings’ IPL opener against the Delhi Capitals, the hitter stated, “I am not too sure how many bouncers bowlers would want to bowl on a smaller ground with good wickets, we will see.”
Livingstone anticipates that further information about how often bowlers use the extra bouncer will become clear in the early IPL matches. It should be fascinating. Regarding the implementation of the impact player rule last year, he remarked, “The IPL is pretty good in being the first tournament to take on new rules.”
Kagiso Rabada is leading Punjab’s pace attack, so Liam Livingstone may see his fair share of short balls in the nets. He still has faith, though, that he can get the short ball over the ropes.
In any case, top edges off the bat typically go for six. It is a recently introduced item. That will benefit those who work in the field. We’ll be really fortunate as a bowling unit to have two bouncers available to us against some of the world’s finest hitters,” he said.