For years now, one of the loudest criticisms aimed at modern-day ODI cricket has been its overwhelming tilt in favour of batters. Flat pitches, shorter boundaries and heavier bats have combined to produce run-fests that, while spectacular on occasion, often drain the format of suspense. When totals of 330 or more become routine rather than exceptional, the delicate balance that once defined the 50-over game begins to erode.
The recently concluded India–South Africa series offered a clear example of this imbalance. In the opening matches, both teams piled on massive scores with alarming ease, leaving bowlers largely reduced to defensive roles. While high-scoring encounters can be entertaining, the repetition of such contests risks making the outcome predictable, with matches often decided purely by which batting lineup clicks better on the day.
Against this backdrop, the first two ODIs between India and New Zealand have felt refreshingly different. Rather than another parade of centuries and boundary-hitting exhibitions, these games have showcased what ODI cricket can look like when pitches offer something for everyone. The contests have been tighter, more tactical, and far more engaging as a result.
A welcome balance between bat and ball
The defining feature of the India–New Zealand ODIs so far has been the even contest between bat and ball. Unlike the preceding series, where batters largely dictated terms, bowlers have found assistance right from the start. This has forced batters to think, assess conditions and earn their runs rather than simply trusting the surface to do the work for them.
In both matches, the early overs have carried genuine intrigue. Seamers have been rewarded for pitching the ball up, while batters have had to negotiate movement and bounce before settling in. This balance has restored the value of disciplined bowling and careful shot selection, two aspects that are central to the identity of ODI cricket.
Such conditions also enhance the tactical depth of the format. Captains are required to make sharper decisions regarding bowling changes and field placements, while batters must adapt their tempo rather than defaulting to all-out aggression.
Rajkot pitch keeps bowlers interested
The second ODI in Rajkot stood out as a strong example of how subtle assistance can elevate the quality of a match. For the first six to eight overs, the white Kookaburra ball nipped around just enough to keep batters guessing. Seamers who hit the right areas were able to extract movement, creating uncertainty and testing technique.
Variable bounce further added to the challenge. While not excessive, it was sufficient to prevent batters from settling into a rhythm too early. This meant that the opening phase of the innings became a genuine contest rather than a formality before the inevitable onslaught.
As the innings progressed, the pitch eased out, allowing stroke-makers to express themselves. However, the early pressure ensured that big shots carried an element of risk, keeping bowlers in the game for longer stretches.
Vadodara offers something for spinners and swing bowlers
The first ODI in Vadodara also played its part in restoring balance. The surface offered just enough assistance for spinners, particularly as the ball aged. Rather than turning square, it rewarded accuracy and variation, encouraging bowlers to work patiently for their wickets.
An interesting dimension came from the revised playing conditions involving two Kookaburra balls. With a new ball introduced after the 34th over, there was a hint of old-ball swing before that point, especially under lights. This subtle movement brought swing bowling back into relevance, an aspect that has been largely missing from recent ODIs.
The result was a contest where batters could not simply switch gears at will. They had to respect the bowlers, rotate the strike intelligently and pick their moments to attack.
Pressure brings inexperienced bowlers into the game
One of the most encouraging outcomes of these conditions has been the way New Zealand’s relatively inexperienced bowling attack has been able to apply pressure on India’s formidable batting lineup. On flatter pitches, such attacks are often exposed brutally, with little margin for error.
Here, however, the surface has allowed bowlers to build pressure through dot balls and disciplined lines. This has made the contests more competitive and prevented matches from becoming one-sided affairs.
From a broader perspective, this also helps in nurturing young bowlers. When conditions offer some assistance, they can focus on developing skills and strategies rather than merely surviving an onslaught.
ODI cricket and its fight for relevance
At a macro level, ODI cricket faces a significant challenge in maintaining its relevance amid the rise of T20 leagues around the world. The shortest format thrives on unpredictability, where aggressive batting naturally brings bowlers into play through higher risk.
Test cricket, on the other hand, draws strength from its tradition, narrative depth and the ultimate examination of skill and endurance. ODI cricket sits uncomfortably between these two extremes, often struggling to define its unique selling point.
This is why pitch preparation becomes so crucial. When ODIs are played on surfaces that encourage balance, the format can showcase its strengths: sustained pressure, momentum shifts and strategic battles unfolding over a full day.
Why balance makes the format compelling
An even contest between bat and ball introduces layers of complexity that pure run-fests cannot offer. A score of 260 or 280 suddenly becomes meaningful, demanding context-specific decision-making rather than blind aggression.
Batters must value their wickets, bowlers must execute plans with precision, and captains must constantly adapt. These elements combine to produce matches that hold interest deep into the final overs, regardless of the target.
For spectators, this balance translates into sustained engagement. Instead of knowing the likely outcome by the halfway stage, fans are treated to genuine uncertainty and evolving narratives.
A blueprint for the future of ODIs
The early signs from the India–New Zealand series suggest that balanced pitches could be key to revitalising ODI cricket. By offering bowlers just enough assistance without turning matches into low-scoring slogs, such surfaces preserve the format’s essence.
There is no need to eliminate big scores entirely. Rather, they should be earned through skill and adaptability, not handed out by lifeless pitches. When centuries and high totals come against quality bowling under testing conditions, they carry far greater value.
As administrators and curators look ahead, these matches offer a compelling case study. If ODI cricket is to thrive alongside T20s and Tests, rebalancing the equation between bat and ball may well be the most effective way forward.
Keeping the ODI flame alive
The ICC and its stakeholders have plenty to ponder when it comes to preserving the relevance of the 50-over format. Scheduling, context and innovation all play a role, but the nature of pitches remains central.
The first two ODIs between India and New Zealand have shown that when conditions are right, ODI cricket can still produce gripping, high-quality contests. It reminds us why the format once stood as the pinnacle of limited-overs cricket.
By embracing balance and resisting the temptation to cater exclusively to batting spectacles, ODI cricket can continue to evolve while staying true to its roots.
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