The Duleep Trophy, intended to serve as a crucial preparation ground for India’s upcoming Test matches, has been plagued by a persistent problem: slow over rates. While promising performances from key players like Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul have emerged, the matches have been significantly delayed due to the teams failing to maintain a healthy pace of play.
In the first-round match between India-A and India-B at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, teams fell short by a significant margin, with 11 overs lost on the first day, 16 on the second, and 18 on the third. On the final day, with only 40 minutes remaining for the scheduled close, a staggering 30 overs still needed to be bowled!
Several factors have been cited as contributing to the slow over rates. Experienced umpires have pointed towards the increasing use of the Decision Review System (DRS) as a key culprit. Players, despite knowing the futility of certain appeals, often opt for reviews, adding valuable time to the proceedings. Furthermore, frequent strategic adjustments, such as mid-over alterations and changes to field positions, are also contributing to the delays.
While international cricket penalizes teams with points deductions for slow over rates, the Duleep Trophy only imposes financial penalties and a maximum one-match ban for the captain. However, the consequences of slow over rates could be far more significant for India’s Test matches. Australia, for instance, missed out on playing the inaugural World Test Championship final in 2021 due to points deductions for slow over rates.
India, despite qualifying for both WTC finals, has faced penalties for slow over rates during overseas tours, notably in the 2022 Edgbaston Test against England and the 2023 Centurion game against South Africa. With five out of the ten Test matches scheduled for India in the upcoming season to be played away in Australia, the issue of slow over rates needs to be addressed urgently.
The Duleep Trophy, with its focus on preparing for Test matches, presents an ideal opportunity for India to rectify this problem. Stricter enforcement of over-rate regulations and a change in the team’s approach towards time management are crucial to ensure that India is not hampered by penalties during its crucial overseas tour.
