On judging T20s performances for ODIs

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I have seen comments ranging from a) T20s performances cannot be judged for ODIs to b) He plays in this way in T20s so that would be perfect for ODIs. While each opinion can have its merit, it does not tell the complete story. The truth is usually somewhere in between. Let us examine a few aspects: 

 

a) Batsman scores as rate X in T20s. While it is not ideal for T20s, it is good for ODIs so he will be good in ODIs. This is a fallacy 

• In every format, a batsman tries to play as per the requirement and by adjusting to that particular format. One adjustment in T20s is to change the gears quickly and make use of relatively short boundaries. A batsman going at a slower SR is probably showing his inability to change gears relatively quickly and play per the requirements. In ODIs, he may not play at the T20 SR but could go even slower. It is difficult to have similar SRs in both T20s and ODIs  
• In ODIs, a batsman who adjusted in T20s by playing at a higher SR can adjust to playing slowly like the low SR batsman above in ODIs 

 

b) A bowler can bowl fast 

• This is a good way to see if a bowler can bowl fast 
• However, bowling consistently fast for 2 overs on a trot is not necessarily the same as having to bowl 4-6 overs fast on the trot in ODIs 

 

c) The batsman starts hitting from ball 1 w/o trying to settle down so he will get out quickly in ODIs. This is a fallacy 

• In T20s, it is more about who can take the game away from the opposition by getting on with the business quickly
• In ODIs, you play relatively conservatively depending upon how soon and at what situation you are batting  

 

d) Black and White thinking is a non-starter 

• For e.g. either you can play at a higher SR or get out as if playing at a high SR and getting a big score are mutually exclusive  

 

e) The common factors that can be judged in the two formats:

• Current form, which includes the ability to adjust to the format, get the big hits going, running b/w the wkts, ability to find gaps, etc. 
• Ability to perform under pressure 
• The tendency to bowl well in death overs 
• The ability to pick wkts with the new ball 
• The ability to come back 
• Fielding abilities 
• Match winning capabilities and confidence level 
• and so on