“We think we were 10-15 runners”: Rishabh Pant on the narrow loss of LSG against CSK
The skipper of Lucknow Super Giants, Rishabh Pant, thought about the defeat at five counters against Chennai Super…
All About Matches
Cricket Analysis: How to Read the Game Like a Pro and Understand Every Match Better
Have you ever wondered why some cricket fans can predict what will happen next in a match while you’re still trying to figure out what just happened? Here’s a secret: they’re using cricket analysis, and by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to do it too. But first, let me tell you about something that happened in IPL 2025 that nobody saw coming…
What is Cricket Analysis and Why Should You Care?
Cricket analysis is simply the art of understanding what’s happening in a cricket match beyond just watching the ball being hit. It’s like being a detective, but instead of solving crimes, you’re solving the mystery of why teams win or lose.
When you watch cricket with analysis in mind, you start seeing patterns. You notice that a bowler always bowls slower balls when the batsman is aggressive. You see that a team struggles when they lose early wickets. Suddenly, cricket becomes more exciting because you can actually understand the chess game happening on the field.
The Basic Elements Every Cricket Analysis Includes
Let’s break down what experts look at when they analyze a cricket match:
Player Performance Analysis
This is the easiest place to start. Player performance analysis looks at how individual players are doing. Are they scoring runs? Taking wickets? Dropping catches?
For example, in IPL 2025, Karun Nair has shown remarkable form, returning to his “good old self.” Analysts noticed his improved strike rate, better shot selection, and confidence at the crease. These aren’t just feelings – they’re backed by numbers like runs scored, average, and strike rate.
Team Strategy Analysis
Teams don’t just play randomly. They have plans! Understanding team strategy means watching:
When do they send in their power hitters?
Which bowlers do they use at different times?
How do they set their field positions?
When Rishabh Pant mentioned that LSG was “10-15 runs short” against CSK, he wasn’t guessing. He was analyzing the pitch conditions, the target, and what score would have been comfortable to defend.
How to Start Your Own Cricket Analysis
Step 1: Watch the Scoreboard Carefully
The scoreboard tells you more than just the score. Look at:
Run rate: How fast is a team scoring?
Wickets lost: Losing early wickets usually means trouble
Overs remaining: This tells you if a team needs to attack or defend
Step 2: Notice the Pitch Conditions
The pitch (where the ball bounces) changes everything. A dry pitch helps spin bowlers. A green pitch helps fast bowlers. Pitch analysis is crucial because it explains why teams make certain decisions.
Step 3: Study Player Statistics
Numbers don’t lie! Check out:
Batting average (runs per dismissal)
Strike rate (how fast they score)
Bowling economy (runs given per over)
Recent form (last 5-10 matches)
Match Situation Analysis: Reading the Game Moment by Moment
Cricket is about situations. The same player might play differently if their team needs 50 runs in 3 overs versus 50 runs in 10 overs.
Match situation analysis means asking:
What does the team need right now?
Is it time to attack or defend?
Which players perform best under pressure?
In the LSG versus CSK match mentioned earlier, those “10-15 runs” could have changed everything. That’s the difference between defending comfortably and giving the opposition a chance.
Advanced Cricket Analysis: Going Deeper
Understanding Match-Ups
Some batsmen struggle against certain types of bowlers. Some bowlers always get specific batsmen out. Match-up analysis looks at these head-to-head battles.
Reading Body Language
You can learn a lot from watching players’ body language. A confident batsman stands differently. A worried captain makes nervous gestures. These subtle signs often predict what happens next.
Weather and Environmental Factors
Don’t ignore weather! Humidity helps swing bowlers. Dew makes the ball slippery. Wind affects where players hit the ball. Environmental analysis explains many unexpected results.
Why Cricket Analysis Makes You a Better Fan
When you understand cricket analysis, you’re not just watching – you’re participating. You can:
Predict what might happen next
The skipper of Lucknow Super Giants, Rishabh Pant, thought about the defeat at five counters against Chennai Super…