How do teams approach run chases in IPL?


IPL 2023 Winner

Chasing in the IPL is as much about mindset as it is about method. The best teams break down the chase into phases, adapt to pressure, and stay calm—even if wickets fall early.

Here’s a complete breakdown of how teams approach run chases in the IPL:

🏃‍♂️ How Do Teams Approach Run Chases in the IPL?

1. 🧠 Have a Clear Game Plan Before the Chase

  • The team knows the required run rate and breaks the chase into small targets (e.g., 50 in the Powerplay, 100 by 13th over).

  • Batting order and roles are pre-decided:

    • Who anchors

    • Who accelerates

    • Who finishes

📌 Successful chases feel calm because teams know what they’re doing from ball one.

2. 🔥 Maximize the Powerplay (Overs 1–6)

  • With only 2 fielders outside the ring, this is the best time to score freely.

  • Good teams:

    • Play their natural game

    • Attack weak bowlers

    • Avoid losing too many early wickets

⚠️ But it’s a balance—reckless hitting can backfire.

3. 🧱 Anchor + Aggressor Pairing

  • Most teams try to keep one stable batter and one aggressor in the middle overs.

  • This keeps the scoreboard ticking without collapsing.

📌 Think of Kohli + Maxwell at RCB, or Dhoni + Raina in their prime.

4. 📈 Calculate Risk by Required Rate

  • If the run rate is under control, batters rotate strike and wait for bad balls.

  • If it creeps up, teams:

    • Identify overs to attack (usually against weaker bowlers)

    • Use left-right combos to mess with bowler rhythm

5. 🧠 Target the Match-Ups

  • Great chasing sides pick matchups:

    • Attack part-timers or bowlers the batter likes

    • Avoid risky shots against bowlers with favorable stats

📌 Hardik may wait for a seamer, while Surya feasts on spin.

6. 💣 Finish Strong in the Death Overs

  • Teams save their best hitters for the last 4–5 overs.

  • Aim: 30–50 runs in the final phase with power-hitting, good running, and reading bowler variations.

📌 Finishers like Dhoni, DK, or Miller are gold in this phase.

7. 🧊 Stay Calm Under Pressure

  • Even if the required rate spikes, successful teams don’t panic.

  • They back finishers and play situational cricket:

    • A couple of big overs can turn the chase around

    • Don't waste balls trying wild shots early

8. 📉 Avoid Losing Wickets in Clusters

  • Momentum can be lost fast.

  • If 2 wickets fall quickly, smart teams rebuild:

    • Knock the ball around

    • Reset the target

    • Trust in firepower later

9. 🗓️ Adjust to Pitch and Conditions

  • A dry pitch? Rotate strike, avoid slogging.

  • A flat one? Go hard from ball one.

  • Chasing dew? Time to back your hitters.

10. 🎯 Have Finishers Who Thrive Under Pressure

  • IPL teams prioritize:

    • Calm minds (Dhoni, David Miller)

    • Power-hitting (Russell, Hetmyer)

    • Match awareness

📌 Finishing isn't just about hitting sixes—it's about knowing when to hit them.

🏁 Final Thought:

The best IPL chases are clinical, calm, and calculated. It’s not just about big hits—it’s about planning, adaptability, and execution under pressure.