India captain Shubman Gill recently expressed dissatisfaction with the Dukes ball used in the Test series against England, stating that it becomes soft too quickly, which poses challenges for bowlers. Despite India’s success in taking 20 wickets and securing a victory by over 300 runs in the second Test, Gill was critical of the ball’s performance in the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy. He remarked on the difficulty bowlers face when the ball loses its shape and hardness prematurely, making it tough to secure wickets under such conditions. In response, Dilip Jagjodia, representing the ball’s manufacturer, addressed these concerns in an interview with the Indian Express. He acknowledged that while no manufacturer can guarantee perfection for every ball due to the natural materials used, modern cricket dynamics also contribute to such issues. Jagjodia pointed out that advancements in bat technology and player strength have changed the game, with batsmen now hitting more powerful shots. He noted that even traditionally non-aggressive players like Gill are hitting sixes more frequently. Jagjodia explained that cricket balls are designed to soften over time, which is why a new ball is introduced after 80 overs. He emphasized that despite impatience from players and critics, results have been achieved in the series, with high scores and successful wicket-taking by India. He argued that environmental factors such as weather and pitch conditions also significantly impact the game’s dynamics. This year’s warmer summer in England has affected pitch conditions, contributing to varying match outcomes. Jagjodia defended the Dukes ball by highlighting its role in producing results over five-day matches. He suggested that while criticisms are common, they often overlook the complexities of cricket as a dynamic sport influenced by multiple variables beyond just the equipment used.