Sourav Ganguly reacts during the Indian Premier League. File Pics

Xtra Time Web Desk: Sourav Ganguly is echoing a sentiment that's been prevalent among many cricket enthusiasts lately. The dominance of batting in recent IPL seasons has indeed been remarkable, with high-scoring matches becoming the norm rather than the exception. Ganguly's call for the BCCI to address the imbalance between bat and ball reflects a concern for the integrity and competitiveness of the sport.

In T20 cricket, especially in tournaments like the IPL, there's always a delicate balance between bat and ball. While fans enjoy the spectacle of massive sixes and high run rates, it's equally important to ensure that bowlers have a fair chance to compete. Flat pitches and shorter boundaries can tilt the scales heavily in favor of batsmen, leading to less engaging contests and potentially affecting the development of young bowlers.

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Finding ways to restore equilibrium could involve various measures, such as tweaking pitch conditions, introducing regulations on bat sizes or boundary sizes, or even revisiting rules related to fielding restrictions. However, any changes must be carefully considered to avoid compromising the entertainment value of the game.

Ultimately, Ganguly's plea highlights the need for cricketing authorities to prioritize the overall health of the sport and preserve its essence as a balanced contest between bat and ball.

"Not easy for the bowlers. They are being carted all over and that's one area that needs to be looked at in the future, the balance between bat and ball," he said.

The dominance of batting in the first half of the IPL season is truly remarkable, with several teams consistently posting massive totals and breaking records along the way. Sunrisers Hyderabad's ability to surpass the 250-run mark multiple times, including their own record-breaking score of 287 runs, highlights the potency of their batting lineup.

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Moreover, it's not just Sunrisers Hyderabad; other formidable teams like Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Punjab Kings have also demonstrated their batting prowess by achieving similar milestones throughout the season. This level of consistency in high-scoring matches reflects the tremendous talent and firepower present in these teams' batting lineups.

The record-breaking chase by Punjab Kings against Kolkata Knight Riders further exemplifies the incredible feats witnessed in this IPL season. Chasing down a target of 262 runs in just 18.4 overs is a testament to the aggressive and fearless approach adopted by modern T20 teams, showcasing the sheer entertainment value and unpredictability of the format.

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As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and possibly even more records being shattered, as the competition intensifies and teams continue to push the boundaries of batting excellence.

Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin had a satirical reaction to the match as he took to X posting, “Save the bowlers, someone plsss (please).”

As the 2014 runner-up closed the match with 8 balls remaining, he topped it up with another tweet,” It’s run a ball for the last 2 overs of a T20 game in a chase of 260 +. Let that sink in.”

Before Sourav Ganguly and Ravichandran Ashwin, Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar had also mentioned about the grueling bowling environment in the tournament.