“Impact of Short-Format Cricket on Skill Acquisition, Physical Fitness, and Mental Resilience in Young Cricketers”

“Impact of Short-Format Cricket on Skill Acquisition, Physical Fitness, and Mental Resilience in Young Cricketers”

Dr. Ranjeet Singh Sandhu

Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, Hindu College, Amritsar, Punjab, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.120600110

Received: 21 June 2025; Accepted: 24 June 2025; Published: 14 July 2025

ABSTRACT

Short-format cricket, such as T20 and The Hundred, has redefined the game’s dynamics, prioritizing aggressive batting, tactical adaptability, and high-pressure performance. This study investigates the impact of these formats on young cricketers (ages 14–19), focusing on physical fitness, skill development, psychological effects, and injury risks. The results revealed that short-format cricket enhances players’ sprint speed (6.5 m/s in Group A vs. 6.0 m/s in Group B) and agility (5.2 sec in Group A vs. 5.5 sec in Group B) while compromising endurance (20 min in Group A vs. 30 min in Group B). Skill development outcomes indicated significant improvement in power-hitting and bowling variations in Group A, whereas Group B excelled in consistency and patience. Psychological analysis highlighted higher stress levels in short-format players but better decision-making in high-pressure scenarios. Injury analysis showed that Group A faced more muscle strains and joint injuries compared to Group B. These findings emphasize that while short-format cricket offers unique skill enhancement opportunities, it also introduces risks such as decreased endurance, increased injury prevalence, and potential erosion of traditional techniques. Recommendations include implementing balanced training regimens and mental health support to ensure the holistic development of young players.

Keywords: Short-format cricket, youth development, T20, performance analysis, sports injuries

INTRODUCTION

Cricket has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades with the rise of short-format games such as Twenty20 (T20) and The Hundred. These formats have redefined the sport, shifting its focus from the traditional virtues of patience, endurance, and technique to fast-paced action, power, and agility. The demand for quick decision-making and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing game scenarios has become paramount in short-format cricket. This evolution has significantly impacted the development of young cricketers. Players aged 14–19, who are in their formative years, are increasingly exposed to these high-intensity formats. While these formats provide a platform to develop skills such as explosive batting, innovative bowling techniques, and sharp fielding, they also come with challenges. The physical toll of frequent high-intensity matches, the mental strain of performing under constant pressure, and the potential neglect of traditional cricketing techniques are areas of concern. Furthermore, the emphasis on power and quick results in short formats may overshadow the development of foundational skills necessary for long-format cricket. This raises important questions about the holistic development of young players and the long-term sustainability of their careers.

This study aims to explore these dynamics by examining the effects of short-format cricket on the physical, technical, and psychological development of young cricketers. By assessing their fitness, skills, mental adaptability, and injury patterns, this research seeks to provide insights into the benefits and risks of early exposure to these formats, ultimately offering recommendations for balanced player development. This research seeks to bridge the gap by examining how short-format matches influence the physiological, psychological, and technical growth of young cricketers.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Physiological Demands of T20 Cricket

Studies have highlighted the anaerobic nature of short formats, emphasizing explosive power and sprinting (Stretch, 2021).

Foster et al. (2020) noted that repeated high-intensity bursts in short formats impact cardiovascular endurance negatively

Psychological Impact

High-pressure matches improve mental resilience but increase burnout risks (Davids et al., 2020).

Jones & Mahoney (2018) found that exposure to frequent high-pressure games sharpens decision-making under stress.

Skill Adaptation

While power-hitting and variation-based bowling improve, traditional techniques like patient shot selection and line-length accuracy often decline (Smith & Taylor, 2019).

Injury Risks

Overuse injuries are common among bowlers due to frequent high-intensity matches (Jones et al., 2018).

METHODOLOGY

This study employed a six-month observational design to examine the impact of cricket format on young players’ development. Sixty cricketers aged 14–19 were divided into two groups: Group A, comprising individuals who regularly participated in short-format matches such as T20, and Group B, consisting of those who focused on longer formats like One Day Internationals and Test matches.

Participants

• 60 young cricketers aged 14–19, divided into:
  • Group A: Regularly played short-format matches. (T20, The Hundred).
  • Group B: Focused on longer formats. (One Day and multi-day matches)

Parameters Assessed

1. Physical: Endurance, sprint speed, and agility.
2. Technical: Batting strike rate, bowling accuracy.
3. Psychological: Stress levels and adaptability (via surveys).
4. Injury Records: Type and frequency.

Data Collection Instruments

• Physical Tests: Sprint Test (30m dash), Yo-Yo Endurance Test, T-Test for Agility.
• Skill Assessment: Match statistics over six months.
• Psychometric Tools:
  • Stress: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS).
  • Adaptability: Athlete Decision-Making Inventory (ADMI).
• Injury Records: Maintained throughout the study by physiotherapists.

Statistical Tools

• Student’s t-test: To compare means between groups (p ≤ 0.05).
• Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA): To validate psychological scale constructs.
• Cronbach’s Alpha: For reliability testing (acceptable if >0.7).

Reliability Testing: Cronbach’s Alpha test ensures the reliability of questionnaires or scales used for data collection.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Physical Effects

Table 1: Physical Fitness Parameters Comparison

Parameters	Group A (Short-format)	Group B (Long-format)
Sprint Speed (m/s)	6.5	6.0
Endurance (min)	20	30
Agility (sec)	5.2	5.5

Group A displayed better speed and agility (p<0.05), reflecting the anaerobic, explosive nature of short-format cricket. However, endurance was significantly higher in Group B, essential for sustained performance in longer matches.

Graph 1: Comparison of Physical Fitness Parameters

Short-format players excelled in speed and explosiveness but lagged in endurance and recovery.

Psychological Effects

The survey results regarding the psychological effects observed in Group A and Group B can be summarized as follows:

Group A:

• Higher Stress: Members experienced greater stress levels due to performance pressures.
• Improved Decision-Making: Despite the stress, they showcased better decision-making skills, particularly in high-pressure situations.

Group B:

• Higher Mental Resilience: Demonstrated greater resilience and mental endurance over extended periods.

These findings could suggest that Group A individuals may thrive in short-term, high-intensity environments where critical decisions are needed quickly. In contrast, Group B participants are better suited for sustained challenges requiring consistent mental stability over time

Skill Development

Group A experienced more stress, likely due to constant pressure situations, but exhibited better decision-making under stress, consistent with the findings of Davids et al. (2020).

Table 2: Skill Comparison Between Groups

Skills	Group A (Short-format)	Group B (Long-format)
Power-hitting	Excellent	Good
Bowling Variations	Very Good	Good
Consistency in Technique	Moderate	Excellent
Patience in Play	Low	High

Graph 2: Skill Improvement by Group

Group A excelled in power-hitting and variations, necessary for short formats. Group B demonstrated superior consistency and patience, indicating readiness for long formats.

Injuries and Recovery

Table 3: Injury Incidence by Type

Type of Injury	Group A (%)	Group B (%)
Muscle Strains	40	20
Joint Injuries	30	25
Overuse Injuries	20	35
Others	10	20

Graph 3: Injury Distribution by Group

Group A had more acute injuries (muscle, joint), linked to frequent high-intensity efforts, while Group B faced more overuse injuries, typical of long-duration games

CONCLUSION

Physical Benefits: Short-format cricket improves speed, power, and agility, but compromises endurance. Skill Specialization: Short-format players gain explosive and innovative skills but lose consistency and patience critical for longer formats. Mental Resilience: Though short-format players handle acute pressure better, they report higher stress levels. Injury Trends: Increased injury risk (muscle and joint) exists for short-format players. Long-Term Player Development: Sole dependence on short-format cricket can hamper technical and endurance development. Below is a detailed analysis of the conclusions derived from the study:

1. Enhancement of Explosive Power

Short-format cricket significantly improves explosive power in young cricketers:

• Batting: The emphasis on high-scoring, boundary-hitting performances fosters the development of power-hitting techniques. Players learn to generate maximum force in minimal time, enabling them to adapt to aggressive playstyles.
• Bowling: Bowlers are trained to deliver impactful spells, relying on quick bursts of energy to execute variations like yorkers, bouncers, and slower balls.
• Fielding: Increased focus on speed, agility, and reflexes during short-format games sharpens fielding skills, making players more versatile and dynamic.

2. Tactical Adaptability

Short-format cricket cultivates a strong sense of tactical awareness and adaptability:

• Players are required to read the game quickly and adjust strategies on the fly, whether it involves altering batting approaches, bowling variations, or field placements.
• Cricketers develop an acute understanding of situational demands, such as managing run chases or defending small totals under pressure.
• This format fosters creativity and innovation, encouraging players to experiment with unconventional shots, deliveries, and fielding techniques.

3. Improved Decision-Making

The high-pressure, time-constrained nature of short-format cricket enhances decision-making skills:

• Players learn to make critical choices within seconds, such as selecting the right delivery or deciding between boundary attempts and strike rotation.
• Captains and team leaders develop sharp strategic thinking, enabling them to respond effectively to changing match dynamics.

4. Challenges to Endurance Development

While short-format cricket enhances explosive performance, it limits the development of endurance:

• The format’s focus on short bursts of intense activity reduces opportunities for building long-term stamina and resilience, which are essential for succeeding in Test matches and longer formats.
• Players may struggle with sustaining performance over extended periods, which is critical in multi-day cricket.

5. Decline in Skill Consistency

The emphasis on immediate results in short-format cricket often compromises technical consistency:

• Batting techniques may become more unorthodox, prioritizing power over precision, making players vulnerable in formats requiring defensive skills and patience.
• Bowlers may over-rely on variations, potentially neglecting the mastery of line-and-length precision required in longer formats.

6. Increased Injury Risks

The physical demands of short-format cricket expose players to a higher risk of injuries:

• Frequent high-intensity actions, such as diving catches, quick runs, and power-hitting, strain muscles and joints.
• Young players, in particular, may face long-term physical challenges if proper recovery and injury prevention protocols are not followed.

RECOMMENDATIONS

To ensure the holistic development of young cricketers, a balanced approach integrating both short- and long-format cricket is essential:

1. Incorporate Long-Format Training: Include training regimens that focus on technical consistency, endurance, and patience to complement the fast-paced demands of short-format cricket.
2. Recovery and Injury Prevention: Emphasize recovery techniques, such as proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and physiotherapy, to minimize injury risks.
3. Mental and Tactical Conditioning: Provide mental conditioning programs to enhance stress management, resilience, and long-term strategic thinking.
4. Balanced Competition Schedules: Encourage young players to participate in both short- and long-format matches to develop a diverse skill set.
5. Focus on Fundamentals: While innovation is encouraged, maintaining a strong foundation in batting, bowling, and fielding techniques is critical for long-term success.

Final Thoughts

Short-format cricket has revolutionized the game, offering young cricketers an exciting platform to showcase their explosiveness, tactical intelligence, and adaptability. However, its limitations—such as reduced endurance, inconsistent skill development, and increased physical strain—highlight the need for a balanced cricketing pathway. By integrating the strengths of both short- and long-format cricket into training and competition schedules, young cricketers can be nurtured into well-rounded athletes capable of excelling in all formats of the game. This comprehensive approach will ensure the sustainability of cricket’s rich traditions while embracing the dynamic evolution brought by shorter formats.

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