Six years ago, Chennai Super Kings faced the daunting task of chasing 197 against Kings XI Punjab. Despite a steady start, MS Dhoni’s calculated wait-and-watch approach ultimately led to a four-run defeat. Dhoni’s strategy of preserving wickets and targeting a late surge is now being challenged by a new wave of T20 chasing tactics.
The recent Lucknow Super Giants’ victory over Chennai Super Kings, in which Marcus Stoinis played a pivotal role, epitomizes this evolving approach. Stoinis’ calculated aggression, hitting 47 runs off 18 balls, kept the asking rate manageable. However, the key to their success was maintaining an average of two boundaries per over, ensuring the required run rate stayed within reach.
This measured approach, starting as early as the 12th or 13th over, is becoming a more effective strategy in T20 chases. Lucknow Super Giants’ Deepak Hooda emphasized the importance of hitting gaps regularly to keep the run rate under control.
The addition of impact players in recent seasons has empowered top-order batters, leading to higher run rates in the middle overs. Teams no longer view the loss of key wickets as a significant setback.
Captains like KL Rahul of Lucknow Super Giants acknowledge that chasing 170-180 runs is no longer sufficient. They emphasize the need to attack from the outset, utilizing the impact player’s versatility to create more opportunities.
However, this newfound freedom is balanced with a degree of responsibility. Batters recognize their ability to score quickly in the final overs but prefer to spread out their boundary hits over a longer duration. This approach makes even 200-plus scores vulnerable.
Jos Buttler has emerged as a master of this measured approach, hitting two centuries in successful chases this season. His knock against Kolkata Knight Riders, where Rajasthan Royals chased 223, is a prime example. Despite losing wickets in the middle overs, Buttler’s steady accumulation of 14 boundaries helped Rajasthan Royals navigate the target with relative ease.
Buttler’s ability to both accelerate and anchor the innings, akin to Marcus Stoinis’ role for Lucknow Super Giants, highlights the growing importance of pacing and sensible shot selection in T20 chases. This evolution in chasing strategies is making high-scoring matches even more unpredictable and exciting for fans.
