'If there's an issue, it will be reviewed’- Dukes ball manufacturers urged cricketers to be patient

The Dukes ball manufacturers have also been in the news for the previous week, in addition to the India vs. England Test series. Experts have been debating it forever because of the players' unfavorable comments, both on and off the field.  

On the second day of the Lord's Test, Indian captain Shubman Gill and the on-field umpire got into a heated altercation that may have provided some insight into the situation.

Even Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill had complained about the ball becoming soft and out of shape so often before the Test. The fast-deteriorating ball has also been criticized by former England bowler Stuart Broad, who took most of his 604 Test wickets with the Dukes.

Dukes ball owner Dilip Jajodia urges the "superstars of the game" to be more patient and moderate in their handling of the contentious issue in light of the commotion.

“We’re trying our best”: Dilip Jajodia on Dukes ball controversy

Given the exceptionally hot weather in the UK and the demands of the current game, where hitters are smashing the ball with rather heavy bats, Jajodia told PTI that his company, which has a history that dates back to the 18th century, is open to making modifications to the ball.

“There are only three recognised manufacturers in world cricket (Dukes, SG and Kookaburra). It’s not easy (making a cricket ball). And if it were easy, there’d be hundreds and hundreds of manufacturers around the world.

So, I think the players need to realise 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. 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,” Jajodia stated to PTI.

“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 criticizing 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.

Shubman Gill and Indian bowlers were unhappy with even the replacement balls as they went out of shape after bowling less than 10 overs and had to be changed often. The ball change also hampered India’s ability to wrap England’s innings quickly.

Dilip Jajodia on why the Duke ball is getting out of shape so often?

The ball may have become mushy and out of shape very rapidly due to a number of circumstances, according to Jajodia.

“Weather is quite a major factor, playing conditions, the type of cricket being played, the type of bats being used, and 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 from time to time. And when you look at a ball, it’s a miracle that it lasts 80 overs. And if these changes need adaptation, then that is something that the authorities have to consider," he said.

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