JOIN USDeccan Chargers skipper Kumar Sangakkara says it requires “exceptional skill” to execute the switch-hit and he is certain that the much talked-about controversial shot will soon be up for discussion in the ICC meetings.
“I feel it requires exceptional skill to play and perfect that shot. It is not Kevin Petersen of England but many others too who play the switch-hit.
“Remember David Warner also played such shot against the Indians. It needs a lot of skill to play that but I am sure that it would come for discussion at the ICC meeting quite soon,” Sangakkara said ahead of their IPL match against Rajasthan Royals.
Asked about the low-scoring but close matches in this edition of the IPL, the Sri Lankan said it was the fifth year of the tournament and the bowlers have learnt to defend low totals.
“It is the fifth year of IPL and bowlers have learnt to defend low scores. It is more about the wickets, which are low and slow. Perhaps when the wickets become flat the bowlers will have to come out with new strategies. These are interesting times for cricket and many new things are coming up,” he said.
Talking about the back-to-back losses in their first two matches, Sangakkara said that his side was having the right balance to challenge other teams.
“It was unfortunate to lose both the matches as we too had our moments. Eighteen were needed in the last over but we could not defend. Perhaps we were 15 runs short,’’ he said.
Not reading much into Ajinkya Rahane’s splendid ton against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sangakkara said that it was not necessary to work out a special plan for the batsman.
“Yes he played a fine knock but it is hard to have strategies for any particular player. We have a common strategy for opponents that is we try to bowl in the right areas and challenge the batsmen,’’ Sanga said.
“We had a long gap but now onwards we have a big schedule and we would be in the main IPL loop. We need the rhythm going. We don’t have any fitness problems and the players are itching to have a go,’’ he added.