A spate of successful 300-plus chases - over 350 on two occasions, and over 700 aggregate runs in just two of those matches - has been the talking point during the ongoing ODI series.
But a silent plot skulking in the background is about the knee-jerk transition of ODI cricket, thanks to the new rules. The two new-ball laws came into effect around two years back, and the fielding restrictions of having not more than four fielders outside the circle in non-powerplay overs was introduced in October 2012.
The IPL is the shorter version of ODIs, but that time does not seem far away when one-dayers will be referred to as the longer form of T20.
Both teams deserve ample credit for the ease with which they have been crossing the 300 mark. Virat Kohli and George Bailey, especially, have been the toast of the series, with other batsmen not far behind. But without belittling their batting heroics ... there is an argument dying to be heard. Would this series have been the same under the old rules?
Blame only bowlers?
There have been many 300-plus totals in the past too, and two celebrated 400-plus scores. South Africa made short-work of Australia's 434 in 2006, and Sri Lanka fell three short of India's 414 in 2009.
Sceptics may quickly point fingers at the pitch and even throw the bowling manual at the bowlers. But do they deserve all the blame?
"They're all good bowlers. Pitches and rules ... nothing seems to be going their way," Aussie skipper Bailey said. "With the two-new ball rule, 350 is the new 300," he added.
MS Dhoni, meanwhile, gave a deeper insight into bowlers' mind. He said, "It's more challenging with the extra fielder inside. It is difficult to bowl yorkers knowing that there is one less fielder outside the circle. In the past, bowlers have always been the first ones to adapt. It will take time, but they will adjust."
He also pointed out that teams are still getting used to the new rules and most are learning by the stick. "We don't know what a bad performance is yet," Dhoni added.
But will this mean that on green, bowler-assisting wickets, batsmen will not stand a chance? In that case will there ever be a fair battle between bat and ball? And will 300 or 350 will be accepted as regular scores? Should fans get used to it and reserve their amazement for, maybe, 400-plus scores from now on? Only time will tell what's the future of ODIs.
Until then, over to Bangalore.
ODIS SINCE 2011
Matches 228
Runs per wicket 30.71
Runs per over 5.06
Balls per six 81.57
Balls per four 13.99
Individual 100s 117
300+ scores 47
Successful 300-plus chases 9.
Stats: Rajneesh Gupta
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