Arshdeep Singh bowled an 11-ball over in Punjab Kings’ match against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026, the joint-longest in history. He focused on bowling wide to left-handed batters to prevent big shots to the leg side, resulting in multiple wides. This tactic is a response to modern T20 batters’ preference for the leg side. Despite the risk, bowlers like Arshdeep continue to use the wide line tactic, which pushes them closer to the margin for error. One challenging delivery is the wide yorker, aimed just inside the wide line outside off stump. The tactic remains popular, with a significant increase in attempts to bowl around the tramline in recent seasons. The introduction of technology for reviewing wides and no-balls in 2023 has reduced the margin for error. The moving wide guideline introduced in 2025 has also helped clarify adjudication. Operating around the wide tramline is a risky trade-off for bowlers like Arshdeep, but it can pay off when executed well. The ongoing 2026 IPL season is projected to see a high number of wides, highlighting the challenges faced by bowlers in T20 cricket.
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