Ravichandran Ashwin Predicts IPL 2024 Will See 300-Run Matches

As the IPL 2024 season kicks off, Ravichandran Ashwin predicts that teams will break the 300-run barrier, citing favorable batting conditions and explosive line-ups. He discusses the impact of key player absences and the league's evolution into a high-scoring format. With RCB and SRH set to clash, cricket fans are eager to see if Ashwin's bold forecast comes true. Tune in for an exciting season filled with record-breaking performances!

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 28, 2026, 13:07 IST

IPL Season Opener Preview

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) prepares for its season opener featuring the reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has made an intriguing prediction. He believes that this season will witness teams surpassing the 300-run mark.

Ashwin shared his insights on his YouTube channel, 'Ash Ki Baat'. The match will showcase two formidable batting line-ups led by stars such as Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Travis Head, and Abhishek Sharma. In their last encounter in Bengaluru, SRH set a record by scoring the highest total in IPL history with 287/3. RCB, despite facing early setbacks, managed to score 262/7, thanks to impressive performances from Faf Du Plessis and Dinesh Karthik.

Ashwin's 'Mission 300'

During his discussion on 'Ash Ki Baat', Ashwin emphasized that favorable batting conditions, powerful batting line-ups, and some less effective bowling units could lead to achieving 'Mission 300'. He stated, "Mission 300 is truly on. I have a strong feeling that the 300-run mark will be crossed this season. Observing the batting and bowling line-ups, I believe if the pitches are conducive, we could see 300 runs scored."

The IPL's Shift Towards High Scores

In recent seasons, the IPL has transformed into a high-scoring spectacle, with numerous batting records being shattered, particularly by SRH. The introduction of the 'Impact Player' rule has allowed teams to field an additional batter, encouraging aggressive play from the outset.

So far, there have been 12 instances of teams scoring over 250 runs in the IPL, with only one occurring in 2013. RCB's 263/5 against Pune Warriors India, featuring a remarkable 175* from Chris Gayle, remains a standout performance.

The 2024 season has been particularly challenging for bowlers, with eight scores exceeding 250 runs, effectively turning them into mere facilitators of runs.

Last season, SRH recorded two scores above 250, including 286/6 against Rajasthan Royals, driven by an explosive century from Ishan Kishan, and 278/3 against Delhi Capitals, thanks to Heinrich Klaasen's rapid 105*.

Impact of Key Player Absences

Reflecting on the upcoming match, Ashwin noted the absence of two key Australian bowlers: SRH's Pat Cummins and RCB's Josh Hazlewood. He suggested that RCB's need for Hazlewood is greater due to his exceptional skills in movement, swing, and experience in death overs.

"While SRH certainly miss Pat Cummins, RCB's need for Josh Hazlewood is even more pronounced. Hazlewood excels when there is seam movement and swing, and he is a valuable asset in high-pressure situations. His absence is a significant loss for RCB," Ashwin concluded.