'If it's coming at your head, you have to find a way to hit it for six' - Liam Livingstone on new rule in IPL

In a move to give bowlers more firepower in the batting-dominated T20 format, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has allowed two bouncers per over for the 2024 season. This rule change has been met with mixed reactions. Among those ready to take on this challenge head-on is Punjab Kings batter Liam Livingstone.

The modern game has become increasingly tilted in favor of batters, with bowlers seeking any advantage. Allowing an extra bouncer per over gives the bowlers a new option to work with against the heavy hitters.

"Playing a bouncer is something that you have to got to do as a batter in T20 cricket. Whether they can bowl one or two in an over, I don't think it matters. If it is coming at your head you have to find a way to hit it for six and our job as a batter is to develop the skill to be able to do that," Livingstone told Hindustan Times.

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Not too sure how many bouncers bowlers would want: Liam Livingstone

Rather than being intimidated by the prospect of more short-pitched bowling, the aggressive Englishman sees it as a new opportunity to go on the offensive.

"Instead of trying to hit a yorker for six, you try to hit a bouncer for six because bowlers have got more options now. It will be more effective on bigger grounds. I am not too sure how many bouncers bowlers would want to bowl on a smaller ground with good wickets, we will see," said the Punjab Kings batter ahead of their IPL opener against Delhi Capitals.

Livingstone expects the early IPL matches to provide more clarity on how frequently bowlers utilise the extra bouncer. "It will be interesting. The IPL is quite good in being the first tournament to take on new rules," he said, referencing the introduction of the impact player rule last year.

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With Punjab's pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada, Livingstone could face his fair share of short balls in the nets. But he remains confident in his ability to put the short ball over the ropes.

"Top edges off the bat usually go for six anyway. It is a new thing that has come in. It will be good for those in the field. To have two bouncers available against some of the best hitters in the world will be a great asset for us as a bowling unit," he concluded.