T20: Is it a game for thinking people?

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IPL is in a state of polarization. If you like top-notch cricket and, like Michael Holding, think that T20 is a threat to the traditional game format, then you may think that the event is a gorgeous circus.

However, if you just love cricket and are grateful for the revenue generated by T20, then you might not mind the hustle and bustle of India’s major domestic sports games. You might even find it refreshing.

Of course, there is the danger of generalization here. These two positions are only extreme. But surprisingly, there are many generalizations made about T20, or maybe I should say wrong assumptions. An ordinary It was actually made by the editor of this blog a few years ago (sorry, James)! The T20 idea is some kind of stupid version of cricket, not suitable for savvy people, not even for thoughtful people.

Although I admit that T20 was probably just “hit and giggle” when it was first played at the professional level about 20 years ago, the shortest form of the game is now a huge money spinner, and the rewards have grown exponentially. Therefore, motivate professionals to think from all angles to ensure advantage.

Therefore, the use of data and analysis in T20 now exceeds any other form of game. Therefore, thinking that T20 is just a little bit of fun, or a brainless version of the sport, is a very brainless view in itself. The best T20 teams must do their best and use all resources to gain even the smallest advantage: recruitment, selection and tactics.

During a recent visit to India in England, some people thought it was foolish for the management team in England to invest so much money in the T20 series. They claim that T20 is almost random and cannot be prepared; therefore, it does not make sense to rest some English test stars so that they can play a role in subsequent T20 matches.

I can understand this argument to some extent. In the shortest form of the game, it only takes a batsman or a batsman to make an incredible attack (think Carlos Braithwaite in the World T20 final five years ago), and you can The best plan stays in tatters.

However, this argument is again based on a basic misunderstanding. The short duration of T20 is actually the reason why analysis is so important (not the other way around). Reporter Tim Wigmore, who has written numerous articles on the evolution of T20, explained this well on TV. Betway Insider blog last week:

“T20 is the most random format because it requires the least number of shots to change the course of the game, but it can also be planned. It provides you with a better opportunity to use data to chart the road to victory.”

Trying to plan your own way through a five-day test. In this case, the weather conditions will change, the court itself will also change, and the tires of bowlers and cricketers are almost impossible. There are too many dimensions of data (and past performance) to become indispensable. However, this is almost possible in a game that lasts about two hours.

Wigmore said: “Test cricket has many variables.” “If you want to hit the ball on the 5th day of a certain number of matches, you may only encounter this situation once or twice a year. Because in the test match, there are a lot of things to do to do this. The T20 scenario repeats itself. You can prepare for a batter to plan to end on the 15th, because it often happens.”

The short nature of T20 also means that there is a lot of data to browse. why? Because there are many games. Certain situations are repeated again and again. Just like baseball. Therefore, the Moneyball method can bring dividends.

Top test batters may conduct 12 or 14 tests per year (depending on the country/region they represent), while a senior player with T20 experience may play 50 games per year. More importantly, the conditions of the T20 game may also be more similar (in order to support the batsman). Cricket is a completely different beast, and game conditions and game situations are very different all over the world.

Since each delivery has greater value in T20, the management team will focus on everything: average, strike price, margin percentage and more in each round. In addition, you can get all of this information at the click of a button. If the IPL franchise hopes to recruit batsmen with a batting rate of 200+ in the last five innings, then they no longer need to rely on personal knowledge or judgment; they only need to look it up on the computer.

Cricket obviously also attaches great importance to strategy and tactics-I am not saying that T20 is more nuanced-but its variables make predictions more difficult. The strategy adopted by the best side of the T20 (such as the Mumbai Indians) did not work well within 5 days. Mumbai’s success is based on savvy opponents, namely underestimated talents who can be used in certain situations. On the other hand, testing cricket requires different skills and adaptability-especially the ability to attack and defend when needed.

Although you won’t be surprised, Eoin Morgan, England’s most experienced and decorated white team captain, is very keen on data-driven methods, but not every cricketer believes it. Kevin Pietersen (Kevin Pietersen) is such a player: “If I decide to pitch in the game, it does not matter. It is based on the game, so I have no plans to analyze in advance.” However, it should be noted that talented players like Peterson have a different level of management than others. Therefore, the importance of analysis is reduced.

For most cricket players, analysis still plays an important role in determining their strategy. Wigmore said: “It can’t measure or predict everything. It may not explain wind, dew, injury or other causes. I don’t think anyone really wants to say that the sensation of the intestines is being replaced.” However, T20 has proven that the data and Analysis can at least be a very useful tool.

So next time you are asked about T20, don’t just comment on fireworks, cheerleaders and unnecessary passionate comments. Also consider the brain element of the game. You may even have a new understanding of the format.

Josh Samuel

Post T20: Is it a game for thinking people? First appeared toss.

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