Squash-ball exploits
The IPL is working out as a trading centre for cricketing tips and Adam Gilchrist's World Cup squash-ball trick is now being used by Deccan Chargers' Venugopal Rao to considerable effect
Nishi Narayanan
25-Feb-2013
The IPL is working out as a trading centre for cricketing tips and Adam Gilchrist's World Cup squash-ball trick is now being used by Deccan Chargers' Venugopal Rao to considerable effect. K Shriniwas Rao find out more in the Indian Express:
Rao’s exploits in IPL have taken bowlers by surprise. Not known as a batsman who strikes the ball hard and clean, Rao has hit 14 sixes and 19 boundaries in the tournament so far, taking Hyderabad agonisingly close to victory from hopeless situations in two games.
“I am using the ball in my right glove. It gives me the advantage of a better grip. I took Gilchrist’s advice and it’s actually working well,” Rao told The Indian Express.
Rao says he’ll continue using the squash ball as long as he’s comfortable with it. In the match against Delhi at the Ferozeshah Kotla last week, Rao’s 34 off 18 balls contained two sixes and three fours — and one six in particular, off Farveez Maharoof over long-on, was an example of Rao’s comfort factor with the squash ball in his glove. The shot was played as late as possible and close to his body and the timing, says Rao, is reflective of the grip he enjoyed.
Nishi Narayanan is a staff writer at ESPNcricinfo