The hitting overlords: a glimpse into the future of T20s

The 2024 edition of the IPL has seen hitters step up to a new level - with 200-plus totals becoming routine and 200-plus chases being achieved too. Is this an inflection point for the format? And how should we be talking about the sport if this is the new normal? 
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Talking Points:

Why has this IPL seen a sudden jump in totals?
Has the impact-player rule played a significant role in raising totals?
Have teams found more hitters to accomodate in the XIs?
Jake Fraser-McGurk - the prototypical T20 hitter
The effect of non-capped Indian players like Abhishek Sharma, Ashutosh Sharma 
Why Dhoni bats so late in the game: the effect of platooning 
What does it mean when you wish for a balance between bat and ball in T20s?
Why higher scores suggest the hitters are more in control of their shot-making

Participants:
Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee)
Mahesh Sethuraman (@cornerd)
Ashoka (@ABVan)
Karthikeya Date (@cricketingview) | Substack | ESPNcricinfo
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Related:

Hitting v Batting: the choice that dictates the shape of a T20 contest - 81allout podcast
What’s the deal with T20 bowling? - 81allout podcast
Jake Fraser-McGurk, the ideal T20 batter - Sidharth Monga - ESPNcricinfo
How Do International Cricketers Do At The IPL? - Kartikeya Date - Cricketingview