Cricket is often described as a religion in India. Millions of fans follow the game passionately across all formats. There was a time when people would wake up in the wee hours of the morning to watch international matches being played overseas. Cricket is not merely a sport in our country; it is an emotion, a passion, and for many, a way of life.
The recently concluded IPL 2026 season once again demonstrated the immense popularity of the game. On May 31, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lifted the IPL trophy after defeating Gujarat Titans in the final. The victory was well deserved. The players displayed remarkable commitment, teamwork, and determination throughout the tournament and delivered when it mattered the most.
Among all formats of cricket, T20 has emerged as the most popular. A match lasting just 20 overs offers nonstop entertainment packed with boundaries and towering sixes. While batsmen enjoy the spotlight, bowlers face the difficult challenge of containing aggressive hitters. Yet, many bowlers have showcased exceptional skill, using both pace and spin to remain competitive in this demanding format.
The transformation of cricket through T20 has made the game more electrifying than ever before. Watching a match in a packed stadium is an unforgettable experience, while millions of fans enjoy the same excitement from their homes. The atmosphere during an IPL match is often unmatched.
The impact of cricket can also be seen beyond the stadium. On the evening of a major IPL final, streets that would normally be bustling with shoppers, diners, and commuters often appear deserted. Shops, markets, and public spaces witness reduced activity as people gather around television screens. Similar scenes unfold across India whenever the national team faces Pakistan, highlighting the deep connection Indians have with cricket.
The IPL 2026 season also witnessed a record number of sixes. A total of 1,426 sixes were struck during the tournament, surpassing previous seasons. This trend reflects how modern cricket increasingly rewards aggressive batting. At the current rate, it would not be surprising if future editions witness even greater numbers.
However, this raises an important question: Is the rise of power-hitting gradually overshadowing the traditional beauty of cricket?
There was a time when scoring 250 runs in a 50-over match was considered a formidable total. Today, teams regularly score over 220 runs in just 20 overs. Batting techniques have evolved, fitness standards have improved, and equipment has become more advanced. Yet, the growing emphasis on six-hitting has altered the character of the game.
Cricket has long been known as a gentleman’s game. It has celebrated patience, discipline, technique, and strategic thinking. Great batsmen earned admiration not only for their attacking shots but also for their solid defence, footwork, and ability to build an innings. The forward defensive stroke was once considered as important as the cover drive.
Today, many young cricketers dream primarily of clearing the boundary ropes. While aggressive batting has its place, there is a concern that traditional skills may receive less attention. Young players should be encouraged to master the fundamentals of batting, including defence, temperament, and shot selection, before focusing solely on power-hitting.
The debate over the influence of the IPL and T20 cricket is likely to continue for years. There is no denying that these formats have brought new audiences, greater excitement, and significant financial growth to the sport. At the same time, they have changed the way cricket is played and perceived.
As we congratulate the champions and celebrate the success of the IPL, it is equally important to preserve the classical aspects of the game. Cricket is not only about sixes and fours. It is also about technique, patience, strategy, and character. If these traditional values fade away, the soul of cricket may one day change forever.
The future of cricket should not be a choice between tradition and entertainment. Instead, it should strive to strike a balance between the elegance of classical cricket and the excitement of the modern game.