Suresh Raina highlights IPL’s role in boosting players’ confidence

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Rain recently shed light on how the Indian Premier League (IPL) played an important role in shaping players' evolution and determination over the years. 

Raina recalled a vital point from the 2008 IPL season, which made a major shift in the way cricket was played and seen. He shared an narrative from a team meeting which involved Matthew Hayden, Michael Hussey, Stephen Fleming and Kepler Wessels where the approach towards Powerplay was being analyzed. 

“In 2008, we had a meeting with Kepler Wessels. Matthew Hayden was there, along with Michael Hussey and Stephen Fleming. Kepler suggested a cautious approach—aiming for 40 runs for the loss of two wickets in the Powerplay, reaching 41 by the end of it. But Haydos said, ‘No, let’s go for it. Let’s aim for 80 runs,’” Raina told JioHotstar.

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At that time, scoring 80 runs in six overs seemed like a bold target. The traditional mindset was to build innings slowly and steadily, specifically in the early overs. Nevertheless, Hayden’s aggressive outlook challenged the typical mindset, leading to a transformative shift in T20 cricket. 

Changing Mindsets, Building Confidence

The IPL not only made a shift in how cricket was played but also ingrained self-belief in players. Over the years, many cricketers have acknowleged the tournament for helping them refine their skills, perform under pressure and gain confidence. Raina maintained that the mindset gradually evolved, and players started to back themselves to control from the start rather than play defensively. 

This shift in thinking led to the growth of quality cricketers who were willing to take risks and express themselves on the field. Youngsters learned from legends adapted to high-pressure circumstances and honed their match-winning capabilities. 

As the IPL continues to evolve, it remains a platform where aggressive batting, innovative strategies, and unwavering self-belief define success, something that started with a bold decision back in 2008.