India batting coach Ryan ten Doeschate believes one of the root causes behind India’s recent struggles while defending totals is the sharp dew factor, and he feels an earlier or altered start time for ODIs in India could help reduce its impact. With the ODI series against South Africa heading into a high-stakes decider in Visakhapatnam, ten Doeschate noted that conditions rather than execution have often tilted the balance in favour of teams chasing.
Speaking at the press conference a day ahead of the 3rd ODI, he offered a frank assessment of the challenge India face. The coach said a shift in match timings could help neutralise the dew that heavily favours the chasing side, even though such changes are unlikely due to broadcasting constraints.
“The dew factor is so big here. It is obviously not our fault but it is our responsibility to find a way to get around that. The biggest challenge is sorting out the disparity between batting first and batting second,” he said.
On the idea of tweaking start times, he added, “The dew falls as the second innings starts, and a different start time could bring that effect down. But obviously broadcasting plays a role, so it is a futile conversation.”
The dew problem in India
Dew has dominated both ODIs so far. India defended 349 in Ranchi but only just, and even 358 felt under-par in Raipur as South Africa made full use of a skidding ball and slippery outfield. India also conceded around 25 extra runs through misfields and fumbles, which is rare for a side that prides itself on sharpness, while the moisture made gripping the ball extremely difficult. At one point, Prasidh Krishna lost control so visibly that he bowled a waist-high no-ball to Dewald Brevis, a moment that summed up India’s struggle.
Ten Doeschate said India are doing everything within their control to counteract the dew’s effect on the ball.
“Look, we are doing all the practical things. The whole point to get one ball after 34 overs is to ensure we get a slightly harder ball. The umpires have been very good when it comes to ball change,” he explained, referring to the ODI rule where two new balls are used for the first 34 overs before the fielding side chooses one for the remainder.
South Africa’s chase of 359 equalled the highest ever by a visiting team in India. Aiden Markram’s 110, Dewald Brevis’ 54 off 34, and Matthew Breetzke’s composed 68 exploited every advantage offered by the conditions. India’s bowlers repeatedly asked for ball changes, yet the problems persisted as the ball continued to pick up moisture.
Ten Doeschate acknowledged India’s batting has also left them needing 20 to 30 more runs every time.
“We tried to factor it into our batting. Three hundred and twenty felt high, then we reframed to 350. You always want more runs, but sometimes the conditions make it tough,” he said.
“The guys are aware of the responsibility of what they are representing. When a few losses start stacking up, there is slight desperation from a series point of view,” he added.
India survived in Ranchi. They were exposed in Raipur. In Visakhapatnam, the dew equation and how well India prepare for it may define the series.
– Ends
