{
  "id": 17720558,
  "title": "400 and counting: Why India are ahead of the curve in six-hitting",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/400-and-counting-why-india-are-ahead-of-the-curve-in-six-hitting",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-02T01:21:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/india-vs-new-zealand/400-and-counting-why-india-are-ahead-of-the-curve-in-six-hitting/articleshow/135441512.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "India have set a new record by hitting 400 sixes in just 40 T20Is in 2022, marking a 38.4% increase from the previous year. Coach Julian Wood attributes this surge to India's unique approach to batting, which emphasizes mastering skills over managing risk. With a pool of talented players willing to hit aggressively, India has become a pioneer in the game, leaving other teams struggling to keep up. The evolution of batting techniques, flatter pitches, and smaller boundaries have all contributed to this phenomenon, but Wood believes batting skills have evolved the most. As batters increasingly target length balls and leave Yorkers untouched, bowlers face heightened pressure.",
  "summary": "India have smashed 400 sixes in 40 T20Is in 2026, becoming the first team to reach the landmark in a calendar year. From Abhishek Sharma's six-hitting at the top to a fearless approach across the batting order, India are redefining T20 batting. Power-hitting coach Julian Wood explains why India are ahead of the curve.",
  "key_points": [
    "India hit 400 sixes in 40 T20Is in 2022, a 38.4% increase from the previous year",
    "Coach Julian Wood credits India's batting approach, emphasizing skill mastery over risk management",
    "Flatter pitches, smaller boundaries, and batting skill evolution drive India's six-hitting dominance"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing skill mastery over risk management allows India to dictate the tempo of the game, forcing bowlers to adapt to an aggressive batting evolution that leaves opponents struggling to respond.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}