Amid the buzz surrounding around India’s first ever Day-Night Test against Bangladesh in Kolkata next month, batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has said that the new concept will only be successful if the dew factor is countered effectively at the Eden Gardens.
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Nonetheless, Tendulkar welcomed the introduction of pink ball Test in India, saying it is a "good move" and will pull back crowds for the traditional format.
"As long as dew does not become a factor, it is a good move but if dew is going to be a factor then seamers as well as spinners are going to find it challenging," Tendulkar told PTI in an exclusive interview.
"Because once the ball gets wet, neither seamers can do much nor the spinners. So in that way, bowlers will be put under the test. But if there is no dew, then surely it is a good addition," he added.
The dew was a major factor at the Eden Gardens during ODI games under floodlights, something Tendulkar is worried about.
"I think the dew factor will play a big role over here. We need to figure out how much dew is there. The dew will determine, to what extent both teams are competing. The conditions shouldn't hinder anything (competitiveness)," the batting maestro remarked.
Earlier, Virat Kohli and company were not too keen on playing pink-ball Test but things changed with Sourav Ganguly taking charge as BCCI President as he persuaded the Indian captain.
Tendulkar endorsed BCCI president’s viewpoint that the experiment is a good idea to bring the crowds back to the stadium.
"There are two ways to look at it. One aspect would be from the public point of view. It is a nice concept as people would be able to watch a Day/Night Test after their working hours. People can come in the evening and enjoy the game."
"From players' point of view, it won't be a bad idea to play with pink ball and check how differently it behaves from the traditional red ball. It's about getting that pink coloured ball coming to you," he said.
Sachin also offered a tip to the Indian batsmen ahead of this new challenge.
"The batsmen will need to practice with different balls at the nets. A new pink ball, a 20-over pink ball and a 50-over pink ball and an 80-over ball. See how differently a new, semi-new and old ball behaves. Accordingly prepare your strategy," he suggested.
In order to retain the colour of pink ball, there must be at least 8mm grass on the pitch. Tendulkar feels even though it will help seamers, a good spinner can be effective too.
"Obviously, it will help the seamers more but if you bring in quality spinner, he will find his way to bowl on that surface as well. For a spinner, it will be important to assess how much bounce is there on the surface and how much the ball is skidding. If there is too much grass, whether the ball is gripping on the surface."
(With PTI inputs)
