📍 THE WEEK’S RADAR

• Jaiswal goes 360 — smart reps, all zones, match intent

• The powerplay surge and rise of No. 3

• Why record-breaking Tom Banton is a genuine test selection prospect

• Shai Hope’s drill for control on slow decks

• ACWR 101 — smarter fast bowling prep, peak when it counts

• Rory McIlroy’s mindset win — whether golf or cricket, why mental prep is the edge

• The early read practice drill — training instinct

COACH’S CORNER

🎯 Jaisball Masterclass

Ahead of his slick 75 off 47 against RCB, Yashasvi Jaiswal gave us a look into his “round the clock” scoring practice — working both sides of the wicket with precision and intent.

This clip shows him peppering both sides: crisp punches, flawless cover drives, and effortless pulls. It’s not just about looking good — he’s grooving match shapes, finding pockets, and training to score everywhere.

Smart reps, high intent, all zones covered. This is how top players prep to dominate.

FROM THE ANALYSIS BOX

IPL 2025: The Powerplay Surge and Rise of No. 3

After a slow start, IPL 2025 is now outpacing 2024 across key scoring metrics. Run rates have surged to 9.66 after 29 games (vs 9.27 in 2024), powered by a top-order explosion. Powerplay scoring is up 8%, sixes are flying — especially in the first six overs — and 200+ totals have nearly doubled.

The biggest change? The No. 3 slot. This season, No. 3s are averaging 40+ at a 170 SR, compared to sub-26 at 143 SR in 2024. Almost 20% of all runs are coming from this position.

It’s clear: the early overs are doing the damage — and No. 3 this season is the engine room of T20 batting.

Why Tom Banton is a Genuine England Test Selection Prospect

Tom Banton's record-breaking 371 for Somerset has reignited discussions about his potential inclusion in England's Test squad. Once pigeonholed as a white-ball dasher, Banton batted for nine hours, faced 403 balls, and struck two sixes and 56 fours — showing control, patience, and shot selection suited to the red-ball game.

More than the runs, it’s the way he scored them: low-risk scoring, deep concentration, and tempo control across multiple sessions. Is Banton’s evolution arriving at just the right time?

He’s not just a Test outsider anymore — he’s very much in the conversation.

THE SCIENCE OF SKILL

Shai Hope's Go-To Drill for Mastering Control on Slow Pitches

Multan Sultans Shai Hope working on maintaining a strong front side, not letting the bottom hand and back shoulder come through to early. Great feel drill when on slow pitches.

🎯 The Ultimate Performance Enhancement System for Fast Bowlers

Fast bowling isn’t just about raw pace — it’s about smart prep and load management. The key stat? The Acute to Chronic Workload Ratio (ACWR). Stay between 0.8 and 1.3, and you’re in the sweet spot. Go too high and risk injury. Too low and you're undercooked.

But here’s the real game-changer: chronic workload — that steady, consistent training over time. It’s not the big sessions that break bowlers, it’s the sudden spikes.

Coaches should also prep players for the “worst-case spells” — those 3-over, game-on-the-line moments under fatigue. Vary your session types: mix in high-effort Pinnacle days with sub-max Prime work. Use toleration cycles to manage frequency and recovery.

Bottom line? Train like the game demands. Track drop-offs. Build resilience. And make sure your quicks are peaking when it matters.

BETWEEN THE EARS

Rory’s Mind Game: Rotella on the Mental Side of the Grand Slam

Ahead of Rory’s iconic Masters Grand Slam win, sports psychologist Bob Rotella unpacks the mindset behind the moment — from handling pressure to staying present when history’s on the line.

Whether it’s golf, cricket, or any high-performance sport, the psychology doesn’t change. Mental preparation, clarity under pressure, and the ability to stay in the moment remain the difference-makers at the top level.

HOUSE OF COACHES

The Early Read

Coach throws down from 18 yards. Batter watches ball release, closes eyes at mid-pitch (on coach's "shut" call). Must complete shot based on initial trajectory read alone. 20-30 quality balls, building pace gradually.

Value: Sharpens initial ball reading, builds decisive footwork, eliminates second-guessing. Elite batters win matches through early decision-making - this drill isolates and strengthens that skill.

Job Board

JOBS OF THE WEEK 🏏

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