T20 drains you mentally because every ball is an event

T20 cricket has undergone significant specialization since its early days, requiring distinct skills from batters, bowlers, and captains. Ambati Rayudu and Aaron Finch, who have both witnessed and participated in this evolution, discussed the modern complexities of batting and captaincy during this year's IPL, as well as the unique challenges that the game's shortest format presents to players.

Current player Ryan Rickelton noted the difficulty of T20. He stated that he had grown up aspiring to be a Test player, assuming T20 was simply about hitting a few big shots. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. he realized that T20 cricket is actually very demanding. He noted the increased pressure on every delivery in T20 compared to Test cricket, where players have more time to settle in at a lower intensity.

Rayudu commented on the format's intensity: "I think in terms of physical intensity, it is quite high. It's quite tough because it's more like a football game than an actual conventional cricket game. So even mentally you get drained sometimes because every ball is an event. You need to be very focused every ball. It is quite intense and it was a shock for me as well when I just started playing T20 cricket."

Finch added that training methods have drastically changed since his professional debut in 2009. He believes that more information leads to better preparation. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. he agreed with Rayudu about the constant intensity required from the first ball. Finch noted that even a small mistake, whether with the bat, ball, or in the field, can cause huge momentum swings, leading to more anxiety than in a 50-over game. While 50-over games are physically demanding due to time spent on the feet, T20 involves short, sharp bursts of intense movement. Finch also pointed out that factors like batting position and fielding in high temperatures can make T20 very taxing.

Rayudu emphasized the importance of breathing and staying calm, noting that heart rates are generally very high in T20 cricket. Finch humorously agreed, stating that deep breathing is crucial in all aspects of life.

The discussion then shifted to anxiety levels in T20 compared to ODI or Test cricket. Rayudu, having mostly batted in the middle order, said that he would constantly think about the game even while in the dugout. He would anticipate different scenarios and plan his approach based on the bowler's patterns and potential scoring opportunities. He contrasted this with other formats where he preferred to stay detached and assess the situation firsthand.

Finch, who has batted in various positions, highlighted the anxiety of batting in the middle order due to the uncertainty of the game situation. He noted that remaining calm and avoiding overthinking is crucial, whereas opening batsmen have a clearer idea of what to expect and can prepare accordingly.

Rayudu believes middle-order batsmen need more practice to maintain their hitting form, as they don't have the luxury of time to get set in a match. Finch concurred, noting that middle-order players may go several games without batting. Rayudu added that middle-order batsmen focus on hitting rhythm in the nets, while top-order batsmen focus on timing against the new ball.

Finch explained that his training involves a quantity phase to refine technique, followed by a phase focused on attacking from ball one. He also emphasized the importance of adapting to different grounds, noting that Australian grounds vary significantly in size.

Rayudu emphasized the importance of practicing in open grounds to assess shot quality and comfort levels against different bowlers. He also mentioned starting pre-season with intense practice to identify strengths and weaknesses. Finch noted that Australian players lack the same access to center-wicket practice as players in India.

Rayudu stated that in T20, a single ball can dictate the course of an over and bowlers may even concede singles to avoid being hit for boundaries. Finch agreed that getting set batsmen to the other end is a key tactic. Rayudu added that middle-order batsmen look for clues and plan their innings accordingly.

Finch noted that T20 requires early risk-taking, a contrast to older approaches focused on preserving wickets. Rayudu emphasized the importance of partnership batting, requiring an understanding of each partner's strengths and weaknesses. He described in-game conversations to plan scoring opportunities.

Finch highlighted the importance of vulnerability and open communication within a batting group, citing his own experience of relying on partners to face specific bowlers. He contrasted this with a modern trend of players wanting to be the sole hero. Rayudu gave an example of helping a struggling partner get off strike.

Rayudu recalled instances where MS Dhoni would instruct him to play cautiously while he attacked the bowlers. Finch emphasized the importance of running between wickets to maintain momentum. Rayudu reiterated that breathing techniques help lower heart rate, and awareness of the game situation is crucial at the non-striker's end.

Finch acknowledged that today's youngsters are more skilled but lack experience. Rayudu agreed, stating that they still need to develop batsmanship. Finch stressed the importance of accepting failure in T20 and making sound decisions, even if execution falls short.

Rayudu concluded that T20 batting is about partnership and understanding each other's capabilities. Finch added that early T20 strategies focused on preserving wickets, but the modern game demands a more aggressive approach. He recalled a conversation with Andrew MacDonald that shifted his mindset towards prioritizing scoring runs over avoiding dismissals. Rayudu emphasized the importance of flexibility, calculating risks, and planning innings based on the game situation.

Rayudu believes that many skilled players lack clarity in the middle, highlighting the importance of waking up a lost partner. Finch noted that the game is changing, and he used data to support his instinctive captaincy.

Rayudu emphasized the importance of observing bowler patterns and adapting strategies accordingly. Finch added that the team environment is key to preparing players for the emotional toll of evening games. Both agreed that T20 takes a significant physical toll, requiring careful preparation and cool-down routines.

Finch noted that captaincy requires being under pressure from ball one, but he enjoyed the challenge of planning and preparation. Rayudu highlighted the importance of a calm and decisive captain, contrasting Rohit Sharma's data-driven approach with MS Dhoni's on-field instincts. He suggested that Dhoni's success was due to his unpredictability and willingness to defy statistical norms.

Finch said that the game is changing, and he was an instinctive captain with data to back up his decisions. Rayudu said the biggest challenge with CSK is that he doesn't have the personnel that he always had. Dhoni-type captain I don't think will happen in this era of cricket at least, because people want so much more stats.

When asked what advice they would give their 20-year-old selves, Finch said to trust their skills and avoid trying too hard to impress. Rayudu advised separating skill from mental aspects, emphasizing the importance of both having a wide range of skills and knowing when and how to use them. Finch concluded that T20 is absolutely the most intense format, while acknowledging the unique mental challenges of Test cricket.