Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir questioned the necessity of exclusively using Kookaburra balls in the Indian Premier League. This came after too many matches in the IPL 2024 being high-scoring ones.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) scored 277 against MI, who in the chase scored 246 runs. SRH broke their record for highest-ever IPL team total when they smashed 287 runs against RCB in Bengaluru. RCB also replied with 262 runs in the chase.
In the most recent match, KKR lost to RR, despite posting 223 runs on the board batting first. RR chased down the target on the final ball with 2 wickets left thanks to Jos Buttler’s brilliant 107*.
On the debut episode of the podcast, 180 Not Out, Gambhir questioned the necessity of exclusively using Kookaburra balls.
The IPL currently uses Kookaburra balls in their matches. Gambhir said that if they cannot produce a ball which can last for 50 overs, then there is nothing wrong with changing the manufacturer.
"If a manufacturer cannot produce a ball which can last for 50 overs, might as well change the manufacturer. There’s nothing wrong with changing the manufacturer. What is this compulsion with only using the Kookaburra?" Gambhir said.
Commentator Harsha Bhogle had previously advocated using Duke balls to aid bowlers in T20 cricket. In a post on X, Bhogle emphasized the need for a balance between bat and ball, especially when pitches do not favor bowlers.
"I will reiterate this. We need greater balance between bat and ball and in a situation where the pitches aren't helping, the ball must do more in the air. How about a Duke ball with a more pronounced seam, that allows more lateral movement and ensures batters can't just hit through the line at will. Love to hear expert opinions on this," Bhogle posted.
