Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has proposed an intriguing rule change for T20 cricket after closely analysing trends from IPL 2026. The former India captain believes the format could become even more tactical if the traditional six-over Powerplay is split into separate phases, giving bowlers a greater opportunity to influence matches. Sharing his thoughts on Reddit after the conclusion of the IPL 2026 season, Tendulkar reflected on the tactical patterns that emerged throughout the tournament.
According to him, while teams have become highly efficient during the Powerplay and death overs, the middle phase of an innings is increasingly where matches are being won and lost. “One trend that I observed through this season was how many games were decided between overs 7 and 15. Teams are now much better prepared for Power-plays and death overs than before,” Sachin Tendulkar wrote.
To bring a fresh strategic element into the game, the batting icon suggested dividing the Powerplay into two distinct sections. Under his proposal, the first four overs would remain a batting Powerplay, while the remaining two overs could be used as a bowling Powerplay at any stage of the innings.
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“I feel the Power-play needs to be split into two parts: the first 4 overs as the batting Power-play and two overs as a bowling Power-play, which could be utilised at any point in the innings. If implemented, this could become the most strategic phase of T20 cricket,” he explained.
Tendulkar also reserved special praise for Rajasthan Royals sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose record-breaking IPL 2026 campaign made him one of the biggest talking points of the season. The 15-year-old not only dominated bowling attacks but also forced opposition teams to alter their strategies.
“Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had an influence on games that went beyond the runs he scored. Oppositions were thinking about him, teams were planning for him, and fans were waiting for him long before he arrived at the crease,” Sachin Tendulkar said.
The batting great was particularly impressed by the teenager’s fearless approach during high-pressure knockout matches. “His ability to score quickly in the Eliminator and Qualifier proved his intent was always the same, even as the stakes were high,” he added.
Tendulkar also applauded Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign, highlighting Rajat Patidar’s leadership as a key factor behind the franchise’s success.
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“Every successful team develops an identity over the course of a campaign. RCB’s identity seemed to be built around shared responsibility,” Tendulkar noted. He further praised Patidar for creating an environment where players were encouraged to step up and contribute throughout the tournament.”Rajat Patidar led from the front right through, but more importantly, he helped create an environment where others could do the same. The balance between leadership and contribution was an important part of them going all the way to yet another final,” Tendulkar concluded.
