Josh Inglis, the surprise entrant in the fastest Powerplay scorers list of the IPL, has been a revelation for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). His ability to stretch the field and score across 360 degrees has made him a valuable asset for the team. However, despite his impressive performance, LSG's middle-overs slowdown has been a recurring issue, which has ultimately led to their losses.
Inglis' unorthodox shots and willingness to play them have made him stand out in the IPL. Since 2025, he has deployed them to 16.5% of the balls, comfortably ahead of the second-placed Prabhsimran Singh at 12.4%, while scoring at an optimal strike rate of 229.62 off those shots. His favorite shot is the reverse scoop, which has become a signature move for him.
What makes Inglis' performance particularly fascinating is his ability to score across the ground. Since IPL 2025, 21% of his runs have come in the 'V' behind the wicket, well above the tournament average of 12.7%. This has made it difficult for teams to contain him, as they have to spread their fielders across the ground.
However, for all the audacity and range Inglis showcased at Chepauk, his innings still ended up on the losing side of a familiar story for LSG - a middle-overs slowdown undoing early advancement. In contrast, Urvil Patel arrived at similar levels of destruction through almost opposite methods, scoring only 1.5% of his runs behind the wicket and preferring brute force straight down the ground.
In my opinion, the key to LSG's success lies in finding a balance between Inglis' unorthodox shots and a more controlled approach in the middle overs. While Inglis' ability to stretch the field is impressive, it is important for the team to manage their resources effectively and avoid the middle-overs slowdown. This will require a careful strategy and a deep understanding of the game, which LSG will need to develop if they want to succeed in the IPL.
One thing that immediately stands out is the importance of managing the middle overs in the IPL. While Inglis' unorthodox shots have been a key part of LSG's success, it is important for the team to find a balance between aggression and control. This will require a deep understanding of the game and a willingness to adapt to different situations on the field.
What many people don't realize is that the middle overs are often the most crucial part of the game. While the Powerplay is important, it is the middle overs that can make or break a team's chances of winning. This is where LSG needs to focus their efforts if they want to succeed in the IPL.
