Right-arm fast bowlers in the Indian Premier League are increasingly using around-the-wicket deliveries to gain tactical advantages against right-handed batters.

This shift in strategy is significant because it alters the traditional geometry of the contest. By changing the angle of attack, bowlers can disrupt the timing and placement of batters who are accustomed to over-the-wicket deliveries, potentially increasing the rate of wickets in right-vs-right matchups.

The trend has emerged during the 2026 IPL season, which marks the 18th edition of the league [1]. This tactical resurgence is specifically designed to exploit the angle available to right-arm bowlers when they deliver from around the wicket, forcing the batter to adjust their footwork and shot selection.

Cricket analysts said the move is a workaround for the challenges of right-vs-right contests. By creating a more acute angle, the bowler can target the stumps or the edge of the bat more effectively, a move that has become a hallmark of the current season's bowling displays.

This tactical evolution occurs within the broader history of the tournament. To date, there have been 1,172 total IPL matches that have lasted long enough to produce a result [1]. The return of this specific delivery method suggests a cyclical nature in cricket tactics, where old methods are rediscovered to counter modern batting aggression.

Bowlers are employing this method across various venues in India. The strategy allows them to move the ball away from the batter or cramp them for room, depending on the line and length chosen. This flexibility makes it difficult for batters to settle into a rhythm during the powerplay or death overs.

“Right-arm fast bowlers are increasingly using around-the-wicket deliveries to gain tactical advantages.”

The return of the around-the-wicket strategy indicates a tactical pivot in T20 cricket to counteract the high scoring rates of right-handed batters. By prioritizing angle over traditional line and length, bowling units are attempting to reclaim control of the game's tempo, suggesting that psychological and geometric pressure remains as vital as raw pace in the modern IPL era.