Hitting Sixes in T20 Cricket
Cricket fever affects people of all ages, with children dreaming of being future cricket stars and playing in the gulleys, hitting sixes, and reaching for the sky. However, hitting sixes and sailing the ball long and high when under pressure or for fun has its own pleasure. In the T20, players like Kevin Pietersen, David Miller, Darren Lehmann, Reeza Hendricks, and Dwaine Pretorius have shown exceptional big-hitting potential. How do they hit big sixes, though?
In an interview with IPL betting site Betway, Kevin Pietersen says that “it’s all about personal confidence and tools in hitting sixes”, . If the player has the power to beat the ball, he must first grasp it. The intent to hit six is most definitely the most critical aspect of hitting sixes. There are many times when the player must go for the big cheeses in order to rack up as many runs as possible.
As witnessed throughout the IPL cricket season, constant effort, focus, and grooving are needed when hitting sixes. From the moment the bowler begins his run-up, the player must eagerly watch each ball. Several big six-hitters believe that you should always keep an eye on the ball in the bowler’s hand before he throws it. Kevin Pietersen, however, thinks hitting sixes is ‘timing based’. To perform on the field, proper range hitting with observation is needed. When they see the ball leave the bowler’s side, several good players perform a trick in which they quickly shift their eyes to the place where they think the ball will fall before it actually lands. It gives them an advantage of a second to respond to the ball more quickly.
, you just need to know your power and understand the ball. Your strength lies in understanding the ball you can fire and the range before you can swing. Keeping the head following the ball is perhaps the most important strategy followed by batsmen all over the world. It aids in properly testing the ball’s line and reacts to swings and turns. One of the most common reasons for being caught in the slips is when a batsman misreads the line of the ball and responds incorrectly.
Cricketers practice for hours in the nets in order to perfect their bat swing. It’s not only the bat’s weight that makes a big difference, but it’s always the mental toughness. In terms of the bat, the player must develop the strength to take on the opponent’s bowler.
The big hitters are leading the way in the T20 era of cricket. The players are highly interested in Kevin Pietersen, who clubs the cricket balls out of the stadium. Also, the sensation of hitting six is as satisfying as the sound made by the bat. All around you changes, but the entertainment value of a six in a match remains constant.
Dominant Mumbai Indians Continue Hitting Sixes
The Mumbai Indians are the most successful IPL franchise, having won the competition five times. However, despite their popularity, MI did not seem to be able to crack their odd-even curse. MI had won their next three IPL titles every alternate year after winning their first in 2013 – 2015, 2017, and 2019. That jinx was broken last year, when MI won a record-extending fifth IPL title.
MI coach Mahela Jayawardene explained what it took to avoid the odd-even conundrum at the end of the tournament, claiming that the burden of becoming defending champions affected him and the team when they were unable to repeat their performance the following year.
“I wish I could explain myself. I don’t think it was easy. You have the tag of being champions and Mumbai not winning the even years – so I had to bring the boys together. What we’ve done is try and be consistent with the processes and preparation, trying to get the guys used to that. Not try to do anything more or less. Obviously, this year has been a little different. But the guys enjoyed that setup,” Jayawardene said after MI beat Delhi Capitals by five wickets.
With the exception of Chennai Super Kings‘ juggernaut in 2011, the IPL’s 2020 season is one of the most one-sided and dominant editions to come to mind. MI, who began with a loss, dominated the league stage to finish with 18 points and advance to the playoffs, where they defeated the Capitals twice – in the Qualifier and the Final. MI were never seriously challenged, and a large part of that dominance stems from the fact that MI have the most dangerous batting lineup in the world, with six-hitters Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya in their middle order.
“I think the six-hitting has been in Mumbai’s DNA for a while. What we try is to play to a tempo, the touch play. Credit to the franchise who allow us to do this, make a bit of history. It’s all about helping them prepare and make sure they understand the roles they play, making things easy for them,” added Jayawardene.
“We’ve got a leadership group out there so we try and give them a bit of work to do. The boys have heard my other side, once in a while. They showed what they can do out there.”
