The Dukes ball has been under fire from players during the ongoing India vs England Test series, but its owner, Dilip Jajodia, is asking the game’s top stars to be a bit more patient and understanding when it comes to the controversy.
Players Unhappy with Dukes Ball in Ongoing Series
Speaking during the third Test, Jajodia said his company, which has been making cricket balls since the 18th century, is open to improving the Dukes ball. He acknowledged that the unusually hot weather in the UK and the demands of the modern game, where players use heavier bats and hit the ball harder, could be affecting how the ball behaves.
On Day 3 at Lord’s, the ball had to be changed twice during the morning session. The Indian players weren’t happy even after the first change – the ball had only been used for 10 overs – and they asked for another replacement just minutes later.
Jajodia said his team is willing to look into the concerns but also feels that players need to give some leeway, considering how much the game has changed over time.
“There are only three recognized manufacturers in world cricket (Dukes, SG and Kookaburra). It’s not easy (making a cricket ball). And if it was easy, there’d be hundreds and hundreds of manufacturers around the world.
“So I think the players need to realize that we are not sitting back doing nothing. We’re trying our best. And if there’s an issue, it will be reviewed and we look at it and see where the problem is, whether it is a fault with the leather or there’s a fault with something else. We will look into it. I’m not sitting around with my feet up smoking a cigar,” Jajodia said.
“The players can criticise my cricket ball. Can I criticise them for the bad shot or the bad ball? Long hop. You know what I mean? You’ve got to be sensible.”
Before the Test match, both Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant voiced their frustration over the Dukes ball frequently going soft and losing its shape. Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad, who claimed most of his 604 Test wickets with the Dukes, has also raised concerns about how quickly the ball is wearing out.
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“The superstars can argue. They’re the paymasters. I have to produce what they want. That’s all I can say to that. It’s very easy (to criticise).
“And people should be careful that when they make this criticism, it’s not just criticising me or my ball. There are a lot of people behind me. Jobs are at stake. So we have to be careful. Always be careful, be generous,” cautioned Jajodia.
Why is the Dukes ball going out of shape so often?
Dilip Jajodia, the owner of Dukes, shared several reasons why the ball might be losing its shape and going soft more frequently than usual.
According to him, “Weather is quite a major factor, playing conditions, the type of cricket being played, the type of bats being used, the strength of the players. You have to accept that there are changes.”
“The bats are very powerful. The ball is hitting outside the boundary hard objects from time to time. And when you look at a ball, it’s a miracle that it lasts 80 overs.”
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“And if these changes need adaptation, then that is something that the authorities have to consider.”
Has Jajodia discussed this with the ECB?
Jajodia said he hasn’t spoken to the England and Wales Cricket Board about the issue yet.
“No, there is no gut reaction and knee jerk reaction. We’re in the middle of a Test series. With the greatest respect, there have been two results in the last game where India won the match.”
“Captain Gill scored more runs than any other Indian has. Two bowlers got six wickets. So all I can say is, I’m sorry about the inconvenience, but at least you’re playing cricket,” he said.
Dukes plans to expand in India, in talks with BCCI
In India, SG balls are currently used for both domestic and international red-ball matches. But Jajodia believes Indian cricket needs more variety when it comes to cricket balls. His company is now looking to strengthen its presence in the country to meet the growing demand.
Right now, Dukes sources some balls from Meerut, but they’re finished in the UK. That could soon change. Jajodia recently registered an office in India during his visit to Bangalore, where he also met with BCCI officials. The board is currently testing the ball. Veteran cricket administrator Brijesh Patel will head Dukes’ India operations.
“I was just buying balls from Meerut and finishing them here. But now we’re going to finish them in India as well.”
“We are ramping our presence up because we believe that India now, the time is right. I mean, the economy, the amount of enthusiasm, the facilities that BCCI are putting into cricket, the facility in Bangalore.
“And frankly, when you see that facility and the investment and the grounds and everything, India will be a powerhouse for years. I have spoken to the BCCI officials, they are testing the balls,” Jajodia said when asked whether Dukes could eventually replace SG.”
He also said the BCCI is open to having more ball manufacturers involved.
“The BCCI wants competition. I mean, it’s sensible. You can’t have a monopoly. There is fundamentally a monopoly (of SG), a lot of manufacturers, but there’s one major business. I don’t need to mention names.”
What’s his vision for India?
Jajodia made it clear that Dukes isn’t only targeting elite-level cricket in India.
“‘I am not just wanting the top level. Because when you talk about top level you talk about state cricket and you talk about the leagues in the states, they all want a better ball. But they’re all wanting a ball for 400 rupees. That can’t happen. You need to pay more for better quality,” he said.
