India, April 28 -- "He is pushing the boundaries of what finger spin means" - That's how Dinesh Karthik frames Krunal Pandya, as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's spin-bowling all-rounder is attempting to solve a major problem.

In a format where batters prepare obsessively, where match-ups are studied and variations are catalogued, he sees deception as necessity. The Indian Premier League, in his words, has become a mental arms race.

"Every ball has a sixer vibe," he said - it's not an exaggeration because the rules, pitches and approach seem to be relatively advantageous for the batters. There are now very safe lengths to bowl now.

His question is survival-driven: What else can I add to stay one step ahead in the mental game?

His ans...