NEW DELHI: Mumbai Indians’ pace ace Deepak Chahar has opened up about a crucial change he believes has reshaped the nature of bowling in the IPL — the disappearance of swing from pitches.
In the pre-match press conference ahead of their game against Delhi Capitals, Chahar reflected on how the evolving pitch conditions over the years have demanded bowlers to adapt and dig deeper into their skillsets.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
“Earlier, wickets used to offer more swing. From 2009–2011, conditions helped bowlers more. Now, the ball doesn’t swing as much. Plus, teams are deeper — they bat till No. 7 or 8, unlike before. So the mindset is more attacking,” Chahar explained.
Check out the daily cricket challenge – Who’s That?
“Teams expect to score 70 in the powerplay now. Like Punjab — they were 80 for 5 and still ended with over 200. That’s the impact of the ‘Impact Player’ rule. It’s changed how teams approach matches. Similarly, bowlers now have to step up even more to keep up.”
Chahar, who has taken four wickets in five matches, also praised the role of Jasprit Bumrah, who has recently made his comeback from a back injury.
Poll
Do you believe the disappearance of swing from pitches has significantly impacted IPL bowling strategies?
“Bumrah also had a serious back injury. We’ve talked about it. He understands what I’ve gone through and vice versa,” Chahar said of Bumrah. “At the end of the day, it’s a team game, but you also have to take care of your own body. You support each other, but only you can get yourself fit and perform. He’s mentally very strong. Even in his comeback match, his rhythm was on point. He showed class. His ability to bowl yorkers and bouncers with such control after a break is incredible.”
Another interesting angle Chahar touched upon was the psychological difference in franchises.
Having played for both Chennai Super Kings and now Mumbai Indians, he noted that while both teams share a winning mindset, the approach slightly varies: “In one team, you might have more meetings, more planning. In the other, it’s more instinctive. But at the core, both believe in backing players and focusing on the process. That’s why they’ve both done well historically.”
“Mumbai has always built strong teams through brilliant scouting. They spot domestic talent early — like Bumrah, Hardik, and Krunal — picking them at base price before anyone knows them. Their strength lies in identifying the right players and backing them. Even if a player doesn’t have a big background, playing with Mumbai helps them grow,” he concluded.
