'You have to move with the times, and if you don't you get left behind' - Tim Southee feels bowlers need to constantly adapt to modern-day cricket

Cricket has changed immensely in recent years, especially after the advent of T20 cricket and the various franchise leagues. Veteran New Zealand speedster Tim Southee feels that it is important for bowlers to quickly adapt to the ever-changing sport to avoid getting left behind.

The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some record totals being set and chased down. Sunrisers Hyderabad have taken T20 batting to a whole new level, as they have amassed three scores of over 250 in 10 matches. They registered the highest score in IPL history when they slammed 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Interestingly, the Faf du Plessis-led franchise also scored 262/7 in their run-chase, eventually losing by just 25 runs. This was the highest aggregate runs scored in any T20 match. Punjab Kings also created history when they chased down a 262-run target against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens. This turned out to be the highest target successfully chased in men's T20 cricket.

Also Read: New Zealand reveal jersey for T20 World Cup 2024

With the T20 World Cup 2024 set to begin next month, the reduction in balance between bat and ball has become a hot topic among cricket enthusiasts. Southee, who has seen the game evolving over the years from close quarters, stressed the importance of adaptability for the bowlers to stay relevant.

"It's forever changing, and we're even seeing in the last few weeks in India that it's changing again. You have to change as a bowler, especially. You have to move with the times, and if you don't you get left behind. As a spectacle, it's exciting. As a bowler, I’d like it to come back in our favour a little bit more. But I hope that people are enjoying watching cricket." the New Zealand Test captain said.

Also Read: New Zealand Squad for T20 World Cup 2024: Complete Player List and Squad Details

Southee has been named in New Zealand's squad for the impending T20 World Cup 2024, which is set to begin next month. He will be joining the likes of Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, and Matt Henry as the specialist pacers in the side. The likes of Jimmy Neesham and Daryl Mitchell will also chip in as seam-bowling all-rounders. The Blackcaps are placed in Group C in the marquee event alongside the likes of Afghanistan, West Indies, Uganda and Papua New Guinea.