The cricketing season for India has begun. This raging debate of whether T20 will overtake the ODIs and become the norm for the years to come, is picking up pace by the day. In my opinion, ODI has its place in the sun. Its just too good a format to have lasted over 30 years now to just disappear. If I say Sachin Tendulkar or Rahul Dravid are one of the best cricketers in this era, it is because of their game not only in Test Cricket but in ODIs as well. But yes, I agree that T-20 is the way forward for Cricket.
Cricket is played by very few countries, which makes it not so popular worldwide compared to other sports. Moreover, it is losing its ground in many current playing countries too. In order to take it to different countries around the world and make it more attractive for new countries, T20 will play a big role. All this hoopla of T20 vs ODIs gives this year's Champions Trophy much more importance. It might stand as a testimony as to whether ODI is here to stay or will it be taken over by the hugely gaining popularity of T20.
I don’t know if you have observed this - majoriity of T20 matches are getting one sided. T20 gives the minnows a fair chance to spring surprises. But once a team is down and out, there is no way back for them. Only a handful of T20s go to the wire. And this is where lies the beauty of ODIs. Every team gets a chance of a come back. If you loose couple of quick wickets, your middle order has the chance to rebuild the innings. On the other hand, if the bowlers come in for a stick in the early exchanges, they still can come back to make a telling impact. The same cannot be said about a T20 where usually a bad start with the Bat or the Ball leads to a pathetic day at office!! (As Sidhu might put it).
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But then, a way forward for the ODIs would be to may be tweak the format a little bit, as Sachin Tendulkar has mentioned- 2 innings of 25 overs each a side or may be have more Triangular and Quadrangular series. The first option has to be tested out in the Domestic leagues before being launched internationally. Whereas, the second option has a lot of economics involved, as matches without the host nation may not fetch the desired audiences. In all, it’s a complex scenario we are dealing with.
Coming to this edition of Champions Trophy I will vouch for an India – South Africa final. Both teams look very strong with SA having home advantage. India have to put up a good fielding show every time they have stepped out to have any chance of making it to the last four. Their weakness in bowling may be offset by good tracks which can help bowlers as it is just the beginning of the season in SA.
I am expecting some fireworks from this tourney - some close finishes, some great comebacks, and some match winning performances so that the ODIs stay up and not flow away in the popularity flood of T20.
