IPL 2019: 5 innovative ideas that can make the tournament more interesting

#2 Batting Powerplay

The power hitters can take the advantage of the Batting Powerplay by using it tactically

In T20 cricket, the first six overs of an innings consist of a Powerplay during which only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle. After the conclusion of Powerplay, a maximum of five fielders can be placed outside the circle.

The current rule of Powerplay is monotonous, and the teams often tend to be cautious about not losing too many wickets in the early phase of the innings.

The current rule can be tweaked a little for the IPL to make it more interesting and tactical. The six overs of the Powerplay can be split into two phases - four overs of mandatory Powerplay (overs 1 to 4) and two overs of ‘Batting Powerplay’.

The batting team could be allowed to select any two-over phase after the fourth over as ‘Batting Powerplay’.

The rule would be similar to the rule of ‘Batting Powerplay’ used previously in the ODI format, but would not have a restriction of the over number up to which the Powerplay can be taken (in ODI cricket, it was mandatory to complete the Batting Powerplay before the 41st over of the innings).

The rule would allow the batting side to derive the maximum advantage of the fielding restrictions by using them tactically.