The ongoing Test series between India and England has sparked a fresh controversy – this time over the quality and durability of the Dukes cricket ball. Players and captains from both teams have repeatedly requested ball changes within the first 30–40 overs of play, raising serious concerns about the ball going soft too early.
The focus of criticism has now shifted to the Dukes red ball, used exclusively in Test matches played in England. Indian skipper Shubman Gill voiced his frustration, stating that the ball was losing shape and going soft far too early, making it difficult for bowlers to generate movement or take wickets.
🗣️ Shubman Gill’s Statement:
“The ball gets soft too quickly, which makes it hard to bowl and take wickets. There’s very little help from the wicket, and the ball loses shape quickly.”
— Shubman Gill
🔍 Background: What’s the issue?
During both Tests played so far in the five-match series, players from both teams have complained about the Dukes ball losing its hardness and shape before 40 overs. While India did manage to bowl England out in Edgbaston, the early deterioration of the ball remains a concern.
On this, Indian Express interviewed Dilip Jajodia, the man behind the Dukes ball.
🧵 Q&A with Dilip Jajodia – Dukes Ball Manufacturer
Q: Once again, questions are being raised about the quality of the Dukes ball?
A: Not just Dukes — even SG and Kookaburra balls face criticism. These balls are made from natural materials and cannot be 100% perfect. They aren’t machine-made. Today’s bats are heavier, and batters are stronger. Balls are taking a bigger beating.
Q: Is the Dukes ball really going soft too early?
A: Every red ball is expected to last up to 80 overs. It’s natural for it to gradually soften. But nowadays, players and fans want results fast. If there are no wickets in 30 overs, they start asking for a new ball. That’s not fair.
Q: Are these criticisms fair?
A: Cricket has evolved. This summer, England is hotter than usual. Pitches are dry and flat. There’s no moisture because of heavy pitch covering. It’s easy to score runs. If a match ends in 2.5 days, people say bowlers had too much help. If it lasts 5 days, they blame the ball.
Q: Is there a fixed process for making Dukes balls?
A: Yes, we follow old British standards. I personally inspect and select every single ball. It’s a craft, not a factory process. There may be slight variations, but each ball is hand-stitched and naturally made.
Q: So ball-making isn’t an automated process?
A: Not at all. There are natural materials and skilled labor involved. Variations are inevitable. Just imagine – a single ball endures non-stop impact for 80 overs. That’s a miracle in itself.
Q: How do you balance between hard and soft balls?
A: If we make them too hard, bats will start breaking. We ensure balls deteriorate slowly over 80 overs, as per ICC norms. If players demand a new one in 20 overs, it defeats the purpose. Unless there’s a defect, changing the ball too often is unnecessary.
🧪 The Bigger Picture
Modern-day cricket is evolving rapidly. With aggressive batting, heavier bats, and flat pitches, bowlers are under pressure, and naturally, the red ball takes more damage. But blaming the ball alone doesn’t reflect the full picture.
Handcrafted cricket balls like Dukes, SG, and Kookaburra operate under constraints of tradition, natural material, and regulations. Dilip Jajodia’s defence is rooted in these values: “If a match produces a result in five days and all 20 wickets fall, is that not what we want?”
He insists that public expectations and commercial cricketing demands have shifted far from the game’s original rhythm.
📌 Conclusion:
The controversy over the Dukes ball highlights the tension between tradition and modern expectations. While Shubman Gill’s concerns are valid in today’s competitive environment, blaming the ball alone may be simplistic. Changing climate conditions, pitch conditions, and match dynamics all contribute to how a ball behaves.
Until a technological breakthrough replaces traditional ball-making, perhaps patience and balance remain the best answers.
