Is IPL 2025 heavily loaded in favour of batters?

Cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) mainly provides entertainment to the audience. IPL 2025 is no different and it's heavily loaded in favour of the batters. However, several fans and experts rue over the fact that the ongoing edition of the mega event is heavily loaded in favour of the batsman and as a result it's taking some sheen out of cricket.

Mixed On-Field Evidence

Teams like RCB have built batting-heavy squads optimized for venues like Chinnaswamy. The average first-innings score in night matches remains 192, suggesting conditions still favour batters.

Ongoing Debates

While new rules aim for balance, player performances and fan reactions indicate polarization. As many as 63 per cent of social media comments criticize 'excessive six-hitting' - Bowling captains report 22 per cent reduction in dew-related complaints. Meanwhile, team coaches consider current rules 'fair but challenging'.

Perceived Batting Dominance

IPL 2025 has seen some record-breaking batting performances. Critics argue that the format excessively favours batsmen, citing frequent boundaries and lopsided contests.

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Pro-Bowler Rule Changes

The BCCI introduced multiple bowler-friendly measures like saliva use was reinstated for better ball maintenance for swing/reverse-swing. Mandatory ball replacement after 10 overs in dew-affected matches have been adopted. DRS expansion, Hawk-Eye judgement of height-based wides and moving wide guidelines have also been adopted to balance between batting and bowling.

Tactical Adaptations

Franchises are countering batting dominance through experienced death bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, strategic use of Impact Players for bowling depth. Focus is being given to wrist-spinners with googly variations to curb the rampaging batters.