Spin legend R Ashwin has made a compelling case for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reconsider the timing of T20 International matches in the country, advocating strongly for more afternoon games to mitigate the adverse effects of dew on bowling performances.
The Dew Dilemma in Indian T20 Cricket
Ashwin's remarks come in the wake of India's dominant victory in the second T20I against New Zealand in Raipur, where over 400 runs were scored in less than 36 overs. The veteran off-spinner highlighted how bowlers progressively struggled to control the wet ball during the evening encounter, creating an uneven contest between bat and ball.
"The games can be played in the afternoon," Ashwin emphasized during his popular show 'Ash ki Baat'. "Teams like New Zealand will not bother because they don't have many bowlers and they know that in such conditions nothing can be done. But in teams like India, if a player has not done well in two games and comes and bowls in such conditions in the third game and goes for runs, his career will be over."
Unfair Scrutiny and Career Implications
Ashwin expressed concern that Indian bowlers face disproportionate scrutiny when performing under dewy conditions, where traditional skills become nearly irrelevant. He pointed out that evening matches with heavy dew create scenarios where bowlers are judged unfairly, potentially ending promising careers based on performances in conditions that heavily favor batsmen.
"It is unfair to play in such conditions," Ashwin stated bluntly. "How will you fight such conditions as a bowler? We can plan better. If there is dew, at least play in the day. Or choose different venues."
Systematic Approach to Venue Management
The experienced cricketer suggested that India should adopt a more systematic approach to venue selection and match scheduling, similar to other cricket-playing nations. "Other countries have a record of conditions, how the wicket will react, par scores etc for every ground. We must also have such records," he recommended.
Ashwin's proposal involves:
- Scheduling more afternoon T20Is during dew-prone seasons
- Creating comprehensive venue databases tracking dew patterns
- Strategic selection of venues based on historical dew data
- Implementing better planning to ensure fair contests
T20 World Cup Concerns
With India set to host part of the forthcoming T20 World Cup, Ashwin expressed hope that tournament organizers would pay special attention to the dew factor. "I really hope that the India leg matches of the T20 World Cup are not affected by dew. If it is, skill will go out of the window," he cautioned.
The cricketer emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of international tournaments, stating: "I sincerely hope there is a little more due diligence on the dew factor in these venues. Once it comes in, you are dependent on the toss a lot. I don't want to see a multination World Cup that will be dictated to a certain degree by dew. Skill should be at the fore."
Restoring Balance in T20 Cricket
Ashwin's advocacy for afternoon matches represents a broader concern about maintaining competitive balance in T20 cricket. By reducing the impact of dew, he believes teams can:
- Showcase genuine bowling skills rather than just survival tactics
- Create more balanced contests between bat and ball
- Provide fairer assessment platforms for emerging bowlers
- Enhance the overall quality of cricket entertainment
The former India spinner's comments have sparked important conversations about match scheduling in Indian cricket, particularly as the country prepares to host major international tournaments where fair playing conditions become crucial for determining true champions based on skill rather than environmental advantages.
