Dilip Jajodia Speaks Out on Controversial Dukes Ball Issues at Lord’s

After criticism surrounding the frequent replacement and poor condition of the Dukes ball during the third Test at Lord’s, its owner, Dilip Jajodia, has defended his product, admitting minor imperfections but stating high overall standards. This statement comes amid comments from Indian captain Shubman Gill, bowler Jasprit Bumrah, and ex-England bowler Stuart Broad.

Timeline of Controversy

• Shubman Gill protested the frequent ball changes, noting the Dukes lost shape and softness too early—affecting swing and seam quality. ([NDTV Sports]
• Jasprit Bumrah stayed silent publicly, joking he didn’t want match fees cut amid the dispute. 1
• Stuart Broad sarcastically likened the battered ball to a rugby ball, criticizing its inconsistent shape. 2

Owner’s Response

Dilip Jajodia broke his silence in a recent interview, acknowledging: “No ball can be 100% perfect”—noting natural material limitations. However, he defended the Dukes brand’s consistency and argued that unpredictable behavior was normal given modern powerful bats. ([NDTV Sports]) 3

Expert Reactions

• Nasser Hussain, former England captain, criticized Shubman Gill for protesting, calling it against the spirit of the game. 4
• Stuart Broad‘s rugby-ball comment added public pressure on the manufacturer. 5

Summary Table

Stakeholder	Comment
Shubman Gill	Ball softens too early, impacting swing
Jasprit Bumrah	Declined comment—joked about match fees
Stuart Broad	Mocked ball’s shape, called it “rugby-like”
Dilip Jajodia	Defended ball quality; admits natural imperfections
Nasser Hussain	Criticized Gill’s protest

The debate has sparked talk of tighter quality checks from the ICC and potential review of ball manufacturing guidelines.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on information compiled from online sources. Please verify independently before making any decisions based on it.

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