Picture Credit: Twitter
T20 cricket is all about innovation. Not only do the batters keep on innovating new strokes but even the bowlers try out several variations to stay relevant with the changing dynamics of the game. One such innovation by a bowler was witnessed during the ongoing IPL 2022 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants.
After choosing to bat first, Lucknow have got off to a steady start. However, they have not yet started accelerating. In the 8th over of their innings being bowled by mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, the bowler overstepped and it was called a no-ball. While everyone was convinced that De Kock would go for the big shot on the free-hit delivery especially when his team were scoring at about 7 runs an over, he was outthought by the bowler.
The spinner Chakravarthy bowled a bouncer at over 109 kmph to surprise the batter. De Kock wasn't expecting it at all and it was evident from his expression. Even the wicketkeeper Sam Billings wasn't quite expecting a short and quick ball from the usually slow bowler. However, the stumper did a good job behind the stumps.
Here is the video: