India, April 26 -- "Searching" is probably the most apt response an internet query would throw up if you try to find the last time a bowler could walk back to his mark with a plan and a field. Because these days, he can be disoriented by a profound sense of betrayal and the sinking feeling that even 250 runs might not cover the damage.

Welcome to T20 cricket in 2026, where the only thing hit harder than the ball is a bowler's sense of self-worth. The gone week alone is enough to highlight their plight. Six individual hundreds in seven days, ten 200-plus scores, the top-five batters already amassing 105 sixes between themselves, let's say book cricket used to have better odds in our time.

The carnage whacked us out of our senses on Satur...