Don’t be shocked by the headline. The match you watched yesterday was also an IPL game. Virat Kohli’s fifty, Bangalore’s win – all of it is now part of the record books. Bangalore fans need not worry! So, what exactly is the ‘real’ IPL?
To find that out, first, take a look at today’s schedule. The two teams that come to mind when you think of IPL – Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians – will take the field tonight.
These two teams have played a huge role in bringing IPL to the global stage. Out of the 17 seasons of IPL, both Chennai and Mumbai have won the title 5 times each. In tonight’s match, we’ll see Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma face off. In the past, players like Sachin Tendulkar, Matthew Hayden, Kieron Pollard, and Darren Bravo have represented these teams. It’s no wonder this match is called the ‘El Clasico’ of IPL!
If Chennai and Mumbai helped spread IPL across the world, it’s Sunrisers Hyderabad that gave IPL a fresh identity. Many believe Hyderabad has completely changed the way T20 cricket is played. Hyderabad also kicks off their season today, facing Rajasthan Royals.
Last season, in the powerplay, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma put up a world record of 125 runs, which remains the highest in T20 cricket. Their team has crossed 80 runs in the powerplay four times.
On one side, we have the most talked-about IPL clash between Chennai and Mumbai, and on the other, the sixes ambassadors, Hyderabad, are playing. The ‘real’ IPL day is shaping up to be just like this!
Chennai and Mumbai are the most consistent teams in IPL history. Chennai has played in the playoffs 12 times, the highest in IPL, while Mumbai has made it 10 times. The dominance of Chennai and Mumbai is evident in their 10 titles in 17 seasons.
Hyderabad’s story is a bit different. They’ve made it to the playoffs 7 times and have won the title once, in 2016. But what’s been most impressive about Hyderabad lately is their explosive batting from the last season. Despite losing to Kolkata in the final, many cricket analysts believe Hyderabad was the best team of the 2024 season. The team showed how T20 cricket should be played!
Let’s look at the stats. In the last season, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma opened for Hyderabad. This pair scored an average of 13.46 runs per over. Between them, they hit 74 sixes, with Abhishek playing 237 balls, including 42 sixes and 36 fours. Their partnership has scored 691 runs at an average of almost 50.
Hyderabad also holds the record for scoring 125 runs in the powerplay, and they’ve surpassed 80 runs four times in the same phase. They’ve even posted 60 and 65 runs on a few occasions. A strong start in the powerplay with such high runs has become a natural feature for Hyderabad. After Head and Abhishek, Heinrich Klaasen would come in to continue the storm. He hit 38 sixes last season.
Hyderabad’s batting storm broke multiple records for the highest runs in a single IPL inning. Of the top four highest scores in IPL history, three belong to Hyderabad, with the highest being 287. It’s clear that Hyderabad’s batters have been wreaking havoc on bowlers.
This batting explosion also made an impact on international T20 cricket. In September, during a T20 series, Bangladesh’s bowlers were hit for 297 runs in 20 overs by Hyderabad. In November, India scored 283 runs in 20 overs against South Africa.
In this IPL season, talk of a 300-run match is everywhere. And Hyderabad is the favorite to achieve it! The team is aiming for that goal. During an event yesterday, Hyderabad’s captain Pat Cummins raised three fingers, indicating the 300-run target. He looked towards Head, signaling that it’s up to them to make it happen! And it all starts today.
