Latest news with #Jajodia
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
In the eye of the storm
LONDON: AT a time when Dukes cricket balls are at the centre of a big controversy, owner Dilip Jajodia is set to take the Indian market by storm. The company, Dukes Cricket LLP, was officially launched in the country recently with Jajodia, who bought the British Cricket Balls Ltd from Grey Nicholls in 1987, visiting India to complete formalities. Former India player Brijesh Patel will head the company's operations in India. The company was producing balls in India but the finishing, the most important aspect of the whole process, was done in England in the past. With the launch, balls will not only be produced but their finishing will also be done in India. The production unit will be in Meerut while the actual distribution will be done from Bengaluru. "We have set up a company in India and we are coming. We have huge ambitions for India and with the greatest respect for what I have seen in the country, I have got one great advantage," Jajodia told this daily. The ongoing five-match Test series has brought with it unwanted attention as players from both camps are continuing to criticise the red cherry. With the balls going soft and out of shape in no time, they are being replaced quite frequently. Former players too joined the chorus demanding resolution of the issue as soon as possible.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
"Don't Have Power": Jasprit Bumrah's Admission To Sanjana Ganesan On Ball Controversy Amid Shubman Gill's Fury
Day 2 of the third Test between India and England at Lord's was overshadowed by drama regarding the changing of the second new ball. Indian captain Shubman Gill had requested for the second new ball to be changed after just 10 overs, but was soon after left even more frustrated at the condition of the replacement ball. With questions rising over the state of the Dukes ball, India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has now broken his silence over the matter. "The ball is a little different from the last series I played here," Bumrah stated while to his wife and anchoe Sanjan Ganesan on Sony Sports. "Obviously I understand dry conditions and hot summer as well, but the ball used to stay hard for longer. That doesn't happen anymore and that is something I cannot change and don't have the power to," Bumrah said. On Day 2, Gill had asked for the change of the second new ball after just 10.4 overs. However, he was even more unhappy with the replacement ball that was handed to India. Mohammed Siraj was caught on the stump mic questioning whether the ball they got as a replacement was even older. Ultimately, India were handed another replacement ball 48 deliveries later. The ball-changing saga has been a constant theme across the first three Tests. In particular, Shubman Gill's side have repeatedly showed their displeasure about the ball, with several gauge tests being performed, even as soon as 20 overs of play. While the Dukes ball has copped plenty of criticism from the players in the ongoing India-England Test series, its owner Dilip Jajodia wants the "superstars of the game" to show more patience and be more reasonable in their approach towards the controversial subject. Speaking to Jajodia on the sidelines of the third Test, said his company with history dating back to the 18th century is open to making improvements on the ball keeping in mind the unusually hot weather in the UK and demands of the modern game where batters are pounding the ball with rather heavy bats. "I think the players need to realize 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," Jajodia said. "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." "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)," Jajodia added.
India Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
Shubman Gill hit 430 runs, 2 bowlers got six wickets: Dukes ball CEO slams critics
Dukes ball manufacturer Dilip Jajodia hit back at criticism surrounding the quality of the red ball used in the ongoing Test series between England and India. The backlash erupted after the ball was changed twice within a 10-over span on Day 2 of the third Test at Lord's, prompting players to question its players were unhappy as the ball went out of shape quickly, raising concerns about its quality. Even former England cricketer, Stuart Broad, was vocal about the quality issues that have persisted for quite some to PTI, Jajodia defended his product and urged players to be mindful of how their remarks can impact those behind the scenes. 'There are only three recognised manufacturers in world cricket — Dukes, SG, and Kookaburra. It's not easy making a cricket ball. If it were, there'd be hundreds of manufacturers around the world,' he said. 'The players need to realise we're not sitting back doing nothing. If there's an issue, we'll review it and identify whether it's a fault with the leather or something else. But people should be careful with criticism. It's not just me — there are jobs at stake.'He further explained that external factors such as weather, modern playing styles, and stronger bats contribute to the ball's deterioration. 'Weather is a major factor, along with playing conditions, the type of cricket, and the strength of today's players. Modern bats are powerful, and balls often hit hard objects beyond the boundary. Honestly, it's a miracle the ball lasts 80 overs,' he to pointed comments from Indian players like Shubman Gill, Jajodia questioned the severity of the complaints by pointing to India's success in the ongoing series. 'With the greatest respect, India won the last game, their captain scored the most runs, and two bowlers took six wickets each. So yes, I'm sorry about the inconvenience — but at least we're playing cricket.'As the Test series continues, it remains to be seen whether the ICC, ECB, or BCCI will take further action. For now, the Dukes ball remains under scrutiny — and so does its place in the future of international cricket.- EndsMust Watch
NDTV
4 days ago
- Sport
- NDTV
Ball Controversy Sees Shubman Gill Lose Cool At Umpire During Third Test, Dukes Manufacturer Breaks Silence
The Dukes ball has copped plenty of criticism from the players in the ongoing India-England Test series but its owner Dilip Jajodia wants the 'superstars of the game' to show more patience and be more reasonable in their approach towards the controversial subject. Speaking on the sidelines of the third Test, Jajodia said his company with history dating back to the 18th century is open to making improvements on the ball keeping in mind the unusually hot weather in the UK and demands of the modern game where batters are pounding the ball with rather heavy bats. The Dukes was changed twice in the morning session on day three of the Lord's Test here. After getting a 10-over ball changed, the Indian players remained extremely unhappy leading to another change in a matter of minutes. 'There are only three recognized manufacturers in world cricket (Dukes, SG and Kookaburra). It's not easy (making a cricket ball). And if it was easy, there'd be hundreds and hundreds of manufacturers around the world. 'So I think the players need to realize 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," Jajodia said. Captain Gill is not too convinced about the condition of the ball #SonySportsNetwork #GroundTumharaJeetHamari #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings — Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 11, 2025 '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.' Ahead of the Test, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant had expressed frustration at the ball going soft and out of shape so frequently. Former England pacer Stuart Broad, who took majority of his 604 Test wickets with the Dukes, too has spoken against the fast deteriorating ball. '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 criticising 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. Why is the Dukes getting out of shape so often? Jajodia spoke about a number of factors that may have contributed to the ball getting soft and out of shape rather quickly. 'Weather is quite a major factor, playing conditions, the type of cricket being played, the type of bats being used, 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 hard objects 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." Has Jajodia spoken to the ECB on the issue? The Dukes ball owner replied in negative. 'No, there is no gut reaction and knee jerk reaction. We're in the middle of a Test series. With the greatest respect, there have been two results in the last game where India won the match. 'Captain Gill scored more runs than any other Indian has. Two bowlers got six wickets. So all I can say is, I'm sorry about the inconvenience, but at least you're playing cricket,' said a straight shooting Jajodia. Dukes to ramp up presence in India, in talks with BCCI The SG Test ball is used in India, both at the domestic level and international games. Jajodia feels a huge cricket playing country India needs more ball options and his company will be expanding its presence to cater the needs of the growing market. At the moment, the company has a presence in Meerut but all its balls are finished in the UK. That is set to change with Jajodia registering an office in India on his visit Bangalore last week. He also met the BCCI officials who are testing the ball. Veteran administrator Brijesh Patel will be the head of Dukes' India operations. 'I was just buying balls from Meerut and finishing them here. But now we're going to finish them in India as well. We are ramping our presence up because we believe that India now, the time is right. I mean, the economy, the amount of enthusiasm, the facilities that BCCI are putting into cricket, the facility in Bangalore. 'And frankly, when you see that facility and the investment and the grounds and everything, India will be a powerhouse for years. I have spoken to the BCCI officials, they are testing the balls,' he said when asked if Dukes could replace SG in the Indian cricket ecosystem. 'The BCCI wants competition. I mean, it's sensible. You can't have a monopoly. There is fundamentally a monopoly (of SG), a lot of manufacturers, but there's one major business. I don't need to mention names.' His vision for the Indian market? ''I am not just wanting the top level. Because when you talk about top level you talk about state cricket and you talk about the leagues in the states, they all want a better ball. But they're all wanting a ball for 400 rupees. That can't happen. You need to pay more for better quality,' he added.
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First Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
'Can I criticise them for the bad shot': Dukes ball owner fires back at cricketers criticising his product
The Dukes ball has garnered massive criticism during the ongoing India vs England Test series. Amid the controversy, the maker of the Dukes ball has come forward to answer all the criticism. read more Umpire with Dukes ball during Day 2 of the India vs England 2nd Test at Lord's. The Dukes ball has drawn massive flak from the players in the ongoing India vs England Test series. Reacting to the uproar, the maker of the Dukes ball Dilip Jajodia has called for the players to show more patience and be more reasonable in their approach towards the controversial subject. Also Read | 'I wouldn't bowl to him in England': Mitchell Starc acknowledges the brilliance of India captain Shubman Gill Dukes ball maker ready to make modifications to the ball Jajodia, whose company's history dates back to 18th century is open to making improvements on the ball keeping in consideration the unpredictable weather in the UK and demands of the modern game where batters smash the ball with their heavy bats. The Dukes was changed twice in the morning session on day three of the Lord's Test here. After getting a 10-over ball changed, the Indian players remained extremely unhappy leading to another change in a matter of minutes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'There are only three recognized manufacturers in world cricket (Dukes, SG and Kookaburra). It's not easy (making a cricket ball). And if it was easy, there'd be hundreds and hundreds of manufacturers around the world. 'So I think the players need to realize 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," Jajodia said. '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.' Ahead of the Test, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant had expressed frustration at the ball going soft and out of shape so frequently. Former England pacer Stuart Broad, who took majority of his 604 Test wickets with the Dukes, too has spoken against the fast deteriorating ball. '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 criticising 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
