Shubman Gill's Call for Ball Replacement Sparks Debate in Test Series
Frequent Ball Changes in the Test Match
During the ongoing Test match, Indian captain Shubman Gill has requested the replacement of the ball for the fifth time. The cricket balls utilized in England differ from those used by the Indian team. While India employs Sanspareils Greenlands (SG) balls, England opts for the Dukes ball. Although the Dukes ball is designed to be durable, its frequent replacements in this series have raised questions about its quality. Cricket analysts and experts are scrutinizing the reasons behind these repeated requests for ball changes.
Concerns Over the Dukes Ball
🔄 The second new ball changed after 10.3 overs
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) July 11, 2025
🔄 Replacement ball changed after 8 overs
What's happening with the Dukes ball? The ball-maker Dilip Jajodia has hit back at critics and called for a review of the rules of the game.
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The Indian Manufacturer Behind Dukes Balls
One contributing factor to the high scores in England is believed to be the rapid softening of the ball. This issue has sparked discussions among both teams regarding the ball's quick deterioration and loss of shape. The Dukes ball is produced by British Cricket Ball Ltd., owned by Dilip Jajodia, who has been running the company since 1987 after moving to England in 1962.
Dilip Jajodia's Response
“I don’t just wake up and decide to change the way we make the balls. There’s a standard manufacturing process, but we must also consider various factors,” Jajodia explained. “Even during the off-season, the curators use tent-like covers that do not retain moisture, leading to inherently dry surfaces.”
Cost of Dukes Balls in India
Dukes red cricket balls come in different types and price ranges based on their quality. The premium Dukes County International ball, a four-piece hand-stitched model used in county matches, retails for approximately ₹3,800 to ₹5,000 (around US$46 to $60) internationally, but can cost up to ₹8,488 in India on e-commerce platforms. More affordable options, such as the Match or School models, are available for about US$15 to $30 (approximately ₹1,200 to ₹2,500). Additionally, the Dukes Heavy Weight ball, designed for durability, is priced around ₹6,540. These products can be found on various online cricket stores.