The IPL decrees that players innovate, franchisees search far and wide for unusually talented cricketers, and administrators upgrade the rules. This has brought about the emergence of mystery spinners and the constant changes in the rules. A lot of cricketers, displaying their unique abilities in unstructured cricket, suddenly shot into limelight through the IPL route. Fortunately for them the IPL was all about demand and supply, and cause and effect.
The demand for mystery bowlers is high which prompts franchisees to look for them. Course correction is undertaken quickly if the attendance drops at the venues. A drop in the television viewership triggers an up-gradation of the rules to enhance spectators’ interest. One of the rare talents to emerge in the 2022 IPL edition was Pathirana, his action reminiscent of Malinga. The CSK side eased the young Sri Lankan speedster into the hustle bustle of the IPL that season.
He had his moments in his debut season and comparisons between him and Malinga were never far away. Pathirana made a huge impact in 2023 with some extraordinary numbers. An economy rate of around 8, bag of 19 wickets out of 12 games, with a strike rate of around 15 was exceptional. The 2024 season was even better even though he did not play the full season for the Super Kings. His ability to bowl quick and mix it up with his deadly Yorkers catapulted him to the lead bowler status.
But then, cricket has its own ways of ensuring that it remains the boss by dealing some weird cards. One of the methods cricket employs is bringing in a subtle change in the technique or methodology of successful players. The fans expected Pathirana to do wonders for the Chennai team this year, as he had whetted the appetites. However, a minute change seems to have crept into Pathirana’s cricket of late. As a result, this IPL season has not been as productive as the last couple of seasons for him. It is amazing what analytics and analysis with the help of technology can reveal in this era.
Apparently, the release point of Pathirana has changed a wee bit, which has changed the dynamics rather drastically. I would hasten to add that his numbers are not making me see things that are not there. Pathirana posed problems for the batters because of the point from which he released the cricket ball. Imagine a clock face, Pathirana was releasing the ball from where the number ten would be on it. In effect he was releasing it from almost in front of the umpire.
A batter facing him struggled to keep his head still because Pathirana’s arm will be moving about in different planes. A batter looks to keep his head still and focus where the numbers 12, 1 and 2 would be on a clock face. So, Pathirana releasing the ball from around number 10, made it a challenge for the batter to keep his head still. A still head is the key for the batters to judge the line and length of a delivery well. This enables the batters to respond in the appropriate manner.
The yorkers released from an awkward angle, were shaping both ways in the air and the skidding deliveries made him a very difficult proposition for the batters. But all that has changed this season because Pathirana is releasing the ball from the area between numbers 11 and 12 on a clock face. Hence it has become relatively easier for the batters to keep their heads still and pick the line and length. The ball is not skidding rapidly as it used to do in the past because of the higher arm release. His yorkers are ending up as full tosses often because he releases the ball from a higher plane.
Technology has evidence that he is releasing the ball from about 15 cm higher this season. But that is the beauty in cricket, because a small change can make a huge difference either way. Therefore, even the most accomplished of performers require constant monitoring of their routines. I am not sure if the change is deliberate or if it has crept in inadvertently in Pathirana’s case, but it is there for sure. Pathirana needs to seek out an alternate option if it is a deliberate adjustment. On the other hand the bowler should be made aware of this change, if it is inadvertent and undetected. For one who is young and has a lot of cricket ahead of him, his coach or mentor needs to be monitoring him like a hawk. It is so important to be mindful of the why- both in success and in failure.
This year as you said bats play and score freely at will. He has to rework immediately to back to his normal action otherwise it would be very difficult in the current scenario
Just one Q,WV.
Dont 10 &2 have the same contained angles?