NEW DELHI: Slow wickets are fine but rank turners, like the one in the opening match of the ongoing Indian Premier League in Chennai, should not be laid for Twenty20 cricket, says Kolkata Knight Riders batsman Robin Uthappa.
The opening game of the 12th edition of the IPL was a low-scoring affair with Royal Challengers Bangalore managing just 70 runs and Chennai Super Kings huffed and puffed before overhauling the target.
Asked if, as a cricketer, he is fine with slow wickets, Uthappa said the format is such that it’s better if runs are scored freely.
“It’s not conducive for viewership, T20 cricket is made for entertainment. It’s competitive but you have to have a wider perspective of what’s happening as well. You want it to be evenly balanced. Slow wicket is fine but rank turners, like Chennai are not conducive for T20 cricket, doesn’t serve the purpose,” said Uthappa ahead of KKR’s clash against Delhi Capitals on Saturday.
“Hopefully, the wickets are conducive for Twenty20 cricket. It’s batsman’s game. It’s what it is. People come out there to watch batsmen hit sixes and bowlers defy that on good wickets. T20 and cricket in general is moving in that direction,” added Uthappa.
The track at Feroze Shah Kotla here is also usually low and slow but it is even slower, according to Chris Morris, who is likely to play his first game for Delhi Capitals on Saturday. (AGENCIES)
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