The IPL rule change that will make SA stars more valuable
An IPL rule change will give a handful of South African stars a platform to make a greater impact on matches with mastery of the short ball.
One new Indian Premier League (IPL) rule could make a number of South African players even more valuable.
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The IPL has brought in some innovations this season with an advanced replay system and a rule change from regular T20 cricket.
THE IPL RULE CHANGE THAT BENEFITS SOUTH AFRICANS
In 2024, bowlers in the IPL will be allowed to bowl two bouncers per over.
The BCCI trialled the rule change in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s domestic T20 competition.
This move is aimed at tweaking the balance between the bat and the ball in the T20 format.
Not all bouncers are created equal.
The South African contingent in the IPL contains several players who possess a deadly short ball.
MUMBAI INDIANS SET TO DEPLOY PROTEA FIRE
Mumbai Indians have acquired a pair of South African quicks who both have good bouncers and plenty of fire.
The franchise went in for Gerald Coetzee at the auction after he terrorised India in their 2023 visit to South Africa. The 23-year-old is also handy with the bat to add some depth to the Mumbai Indians order.
In a late swoop, Mumbai interrupted Kwena Maphaka’s matric year to give him his first IPL experience before his 18th birthday. Maphaka already has an impressive mastery of variations in length. His bouncer would have been a big part of why the franchise took a chance on a 17-year-old.
ANRICH NORTJE FIT AND FIRING WILL TERRIFY THE IPL
Anrich Nortje has been on ice for some time but made a return to action in the T20 Challenge earlier in March.
Known for his steep bounce, this rule change will give the 30-year-old fast bowler an extra option. The Delhi Capitals already know how valuable Nortje can be and the addition of an extra bouncer every six balls will amplify his talents.
DON’T EVER FORGET ABOUT KAGISO RABADA
Rabada heads into the IPL with 106 wickets to his name from 69 matches in the tournament.
The Proteas star has the task of lifting the Punjab Kings into contention for the playoffs. However, a wicket-taker like Rabada could turn matches and make a real difference for the franchise. His ability to get the ball up to the shoulders off a sharp rise allows him to bully batters in every format.
IPL RULE CHANGE GIVES NANDRE BURGER A CHANCE TO START WITH A BANG
Nandre Burger was another South African quick who made the most of facing India in 2023.
A fiery exchange with Virat Kohli in the Test series didn’t hurt his IPL aspirations. The Rajasthan Royals snapped up Burger at auction.
He also has an accurate bouncer that is particularly difficult for right-handed batters to handle.
MARCO JANSEN TO USE HIS HEIGHT
Marco Jansen was among the most valuable players for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s efforts to retain the SA20.
A rule change like this allows Jansen to be a game-changer for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.