Cricket is a game which is evolved a lot from its inception. Earlier the only format played was tests. Later on it got evolved to ODI and T20 cricket. The evolution of these formats in itself is a story to tell. But the main reason behind the introduction of shorter formats, particularly T20 was to give maximum entertainment by scoring quick runs. The first ever T20 match played was in 2004, and till 2010's, anything close to 170-175 odd runs was considered to be a good total. In the last decade, it got upgraded to 200. But looking at the scenario now, we cannot help but think if 250 is the new 200?

There were times when a score of 200 was only reached for 3-4 times in entire season of IPL. But looking at it now, it seems that times have changed drastically. This season of IPL saw the 250 run barrier breached by the teams a total of 5 times, even when half of the season hasn't commenced. A total of 287, 277 and 266 by Sunrisers Hyderabad and 272 by KKR was already shocking to the core. But what was even more astonishing as well as great to watch was the chasing team go to 262 when RCB was batting, and 248 when MI batted.

Back in 2013, when RCB reached to a total of 263 runs, everyone was shell shocked to see any team score a mountain of runs like these. But it was a result of Chris Gayle's heroics of 175 due to which happened in a one odd match that year. The last year the 250 run mark was breached by Lucknow Supergiants against Punjab Kings, which was still a one odd match crossing the 250 barrier. But this year, on 5 occasions the teams have successfully crossed the barrier, and on one occasion a chasing team has come close to breach it. What's even more to it is it was not just pure slogging, but a very well planned and executed thing as discussed by Pat Cummins during the toss.

It reminds of the days when 200 looked invincible close to a decade back. The target seemed impossible to breach, and exactly due to the same when it was achieved, it was highly celebrated. CSK chasing a 200+ total against RCB, MI doing against CSK were therefore cherished a lot. And now, 200 seems to be just a par score at times. The same was witnessed with RCB vs MI encounter when the latter chases 199 runs in just 15.3 overs. As of now 250+ remains un chased by any team, but there is a high possibility of the same happening sooner or later.

While one agrees that everyone enjoys to see the team score heavily, it is unfair for the bowlers who run it with all their might to just get railed by the batters. With the batter friendly pitches and the conditions hardly supporting bowlers, it was evident that someday the 250+ run barrier would be breached. And when it is done, it should also be checked whether the bowlers are taken care of. The statement made by Tabrez Shamsi clearly asserts the disappointment he felt after seeing these many runs. And his concern is valid because bowlers should not just be working as bowling machines.

Whether it will happen or not, only time will tell. But one can agree to it that 250 seems to be the newly set difficult target to chase. Because anything below it could be easily chased and achieved. On one hand it gives a feeling of satisfaction to see more sixes and boundaries oozing out of the batter's bat, and on the other hand it seems bad to witness the bowlers to be at the receiving end of it. But now it seems pretty clear that one might see the 250 barrier crossed on multiple occasions. And who knows, one fine day 300 runs in a T20 match will also turn into a reality.