India’s Assistant Coach Ryan Ten Doeschate Talks About Dew Dilemma

When India lost the 2nd ODI match against South Africa, KL Rahul said at the presser that dew plays a big role in deciding the result of the match. He explained that teams batting second find it easier to chase, as the ball skids and comes onto the bat nicely.

Now, the assistant coach of India, Ryan Ten Doeschate has also said that dew has made a lot of difference in the last two matches. He added that India has been losing tosses consistently, which hasn’t helped them make the decisions they would have liked.

"The dew factor is, we're actually trying to put a number on it and it varies between 10 and 20% [in terms of] what a big difference it makes [to the result].I think we're one in a million statistically at the moment [the probability of losing 20 straight tosses], so if we can go two million tomorrow, that'll be pretty impressive.” said assistant coach of India, Ryan ten Doeschate.

"But again, it's a bit of a joke, but the responsibility or the preparation is to beat whatever is put in front of us and eventually we're going to win a toss anyway." added Ryan ten Doeschate.

He then described how India is preparing to counter the threat of dew in the field. He elaborated how the bowlers are training hard in the nets with wet balls, so that they can prepare themselves for the bigger challenge in the matches.

"We are doing all the practical prep stuff, guys bowling with wet balls. Again, you know, like setting up our store to get a premium score, figuring out how to defend, what is best to bowl with the wet ball when there is dew on the grass." said Ryan ten Doeschate.

The assistant coach then talked about the new ICC rule that allows the bowling team to use just one ball in the last 16 overs of the match. He said it is a good choice given to the bowling teams, but then it has a flip side as well. If the team chooses a softer ball, it becomes even more affected by dew. On the other hand, if they opt for a harder ball, it gives batters an opportunity to score runs quickly.

"The two balls. If I just think about it logically, the whole point of going to one ball after 34 overs is that the ball does get a chance to wear and to get a bit softer. But the flip side is that [when there is dew] you have got one ball that is getting more wet essentially.” said Ryan ten Doeschate.

“I think the umpires have been very good in allowing ball changes, but then of course you end up getting a slightly harder ball which negates the whole point of going down to the one ball.” added Ryan ten Doeschate.

Indian Team Does Not Hide Behind Excuses, Says Ryan ten Doeschate

He then said that the Indian team does not try to limit itself by giving an excuse of dew or losing the toss. It is an attribute he likes the most about the Indian team, which is propelling them to get better every day.

"But like I said, the thing that has impressed me about this group this week is that we know the challenges, I haven't heard anyone complain and the main thing is all about, you know, it is our responsibility to find ways around these challenges and that is just another one we have got to find a solution for." said Ryan ten Doeschate.

The assistant coach then described the current situation of the series, saying the players are fully aware of the tough challenge that lies ahead. They are certainly ready to win the next game against the Proteas, as losing the ODIs after tests is simply not an option for them.

"It is a very different personnel of players, but the guys are very aware of the responsibility of what they are representing. We always want to win, but certainly when a few losses do start stacking up and performances are below what we expect from ourselves. I think there is a slight aspiration to win the series tomorrow." concluded Ryan ten Doeschate.