‘Ball Becomes Like An Egg’ – R Ashwin Suggests IPL, Bilaterals Have Inferior Quality Kookaburras Compared To ICC Events

R Ashwin has cast doubt on the quality of the balls used in the IPL compared to those used in ICC tournaments following the conclusion of the 2023 World Cup.

In his latest video on his YouTube channel, Ashwin reflected on the tournament after India lost by seven wickets in the final. Part of his thinking was about how differences in quality between balls used during competition and those used in other forms of cricket affect seam behavior.

“We use white Kingfisher ball for IPL, bilateral series and ICC Trophy,” Ashwin said. “But in IPL and bilateral series, I don’t think the quality of the ball remains the same compared to ICC events, because as far as I have seen in ICC events, the spinners are not playing well on the seam. Because when you rotate the ball or when the pacer bowls an inswinger, the ball ends up falling on the seam.In IPL, the ball becomes like a round bowl, a lemon, or an egg. There are things you can do.”

Ashwin played 13 matches for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2023 and took 14 wickets at an average of 26.29. He only played one game in the 2023 World Cup, being called up to replace Axar Patel, who was injured just before the tournament. In India’s first match of the tournament against Australia, he posted figures of 1-34 and ensured a comfortable victory for India.

“If you keep the ball in the storage room, moisture will accumulate on the ball,” Ashwin continued. “It absorbs too much, the shape of the ball changes, the quality of the ball changes.” If the ball had the same quality, I think it would make a big difference in these tournaments as well. It plays an important role in player selection. So it will be a test for batsmen and bowlers to see if they are given balls of the same quality. ”

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The 2024 edition of IPL is scheduled to be played from March 23 to May 29, ending a few days before the start of the 2024 T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on June 4 in the Caribbean.

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