IPL 2020: You need to push the batsmen and bouncers make life so much easier, says Anrich Nortje

IPL 2020: You need to push the batsmen and bouncers make life so much easier, says Anrich Nortje
Anrich Nortje

It won’t be a mistake to name Anrich Nortje the find of this IPL season for Delhi Capitals. Coming in to replace Chris Woakes not many thought he has any chance to make it to the playing XI. But the South African has surprised everyone with his extra pace and unsettling accuracy. Nortje has 12 wickets to his name and a miserly economy of just 7.75 speaks volumes about the impact he has had.

Not a week ago, the big fast bowler was all over the place for his fiery fast bowling against Rajasthan Royals where he clocked 156.6 kmph, the fastest ball in IPL history. His consistency paired with the fiery pace and accuracy he possesses makes him a scary bowler to face.

Also read : IPL 2020 Video: Anrich Nortje bowls the fastest delivery in IPL history

A hard length is hard for every batsman

Anrich Nortje cleans up Jos Buttler

Sharing his formula for success, Nortje says that its always better to keep things simple and focus on one’s strengths. He points out that anything that changes while facing a great batsman is the degree of focus. Because a hard length is hard for everyone, be it Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma or AB de Villiers.

“Try and keep it simple. It is not about the players but more about what we need to do and try and focus on the plan. Better the player, more you have to focus. A good length is a good length and then work around our strengths and see where we can beat them and try and get them out. Even to Rohit, a good line and length will be difficult to play as long as we can hit the mark,” Nortje told ANI.

The Protea quick is great with the bouncer and sneeks one in every now and then to surprise the batsman. When asked, he says that its a great way to keep the batsman guessing as well as it helps unsettle a batsman when he is on a hitting spree.

“It’s just something that I use. No point bowling just six full balls every time. You need to push the batsmen and make them aware of what you have. Whether they get out that ball or next ball, but it is a weapon you have to use as a fast bowler. You cannot let them just lunge forward every time. Especially in T20 cricket, it makes life so much easier,” he said.

Also read : IPL 2020: Anrich Nortje targets Shoaib Akhtar’s 161.3 kph record