Peace, Not Pressure; Handling Powerplay Will Be Crucial – Rajat Patil

The role of the Powerplay in T20 cricket is highly decisive. Every team tries to use these three overs for batting and bowling in a strategic manner. It is the performance in the Powerplay that can even change the course of the match. Rajat Patil, the opener and vice-captain of the Indian team, has shared an important observation about the Powerplay ahead of the T20 match between India and Ireland at Eden Gardens.

Rajat emphasizes that bowling during the Powerplay is critical, and hence the team should focus on reducing pressure and maintaining composure. He warns against losing one or two early wickets in the Powerplay, as it can disrupt the team’s mindset. If the batsmen stay calm and play their shots during these three overs, it can set a strong foundation for the team, he adds.

According to Rajat, bowlers need to ease the pressure during the Powerplay while also managing the batsmen’s mindset with patience. Though the Indian batting lineup includes experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the performances of youngsters like Eyyar Vij and Shubman Gill will also be crucial. He advises the team to avoid over-exerting to score 20 or 25 runs in the Powerplay. Instead, the key to victory lies in handling each ball with composure, he highlights.