Every year, run-scoring in the IPL only increases, with bigger bats, shorter boundaries and placid surfaces turning it into a run-fest. IPL 2026, however, has been unlike any other season in recent times. Teams have regularly made over 200 in the first innings and, even more impressively, chased down 200-plus totals consistently, putting the idea of ‘what is a good score’ firmly in the bin. LSG coach Justin Langer was asked whether such high-scoring chases were good for the game or if the balance between bat and ball needed restoring. The Australian could only marvel at what he was seeing, while also acknowledging the pressure it puts on bowlers. “I literally, as an ex-batter and an ex-warrior who loves batting and a coach for a long time, I cannot believe the batting I’m seeing at the moment. It is breathtaking. It is absolute.” “Who would have thought, however many years ago you have run chasers like we’ve just seen today, or Nicky Pooran or Rickelton come – and we’re not even talking about the young kids.…