Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed strong support for the Decision Review System (DRS) in domestic cricket, hailing its potential to revolutionize how young batters approach their technique. With DRS now implemented in the Duleep Trophy, Ashwin believes it will play a critical role in providing players with valuable insights into their flaws, allowing them to make necessary adjustments before transitioning to the international stage.
The ongoing Duleep Trophy, taking place in Bengaluru and Anantapur, marks the first instance of DRS being fully utilized in India’s domestic cricket. While DRS has been in use for high-profile international fixtures and select Ranji Trophy knockout matches, the expansion of its application to tournaments like the Duleep Trophy is seen as a game-changing development for the domestic circuit.
Bhui’s Dismissal as a Case Study
Ashwin’s advocacy for DRS came to light after the dismissal of India D batter Ricky Bhui, who fell to an LBW decision after a successful review by India C captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Bhui had opted for the common domestic technique of keeping his bat behind his pad while defending, a strategy that previously allowed many batters to avoid being given out lbw, especially with traditional umpiring.
However, DRS exposed the flaw in this technique, overturning the on-field umpire’s initial not-out decision. Ashwin took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to comment on the incident, emphasizing how DRS is pushing batters to adapt their styles to more stringent, evidence-based decision-making.
“Ricky Bhui’s dismissal shows how DRS is altering the game. Previously, players could escape with this technique, but DRS is now forcing batters to adapt. It’s a valuable experience before transitioning to international cricket, where these technical details can be critical,” Ashwin wrote.
Ashwin further elaborated that while this technique might have gone unnoticed in the pre-DRS era, the advanced technology now holds players accountable, urging them to refine their techniques to succeed at higher levels. He highlighted the long-term benefits for young players who will be exposed to these learning experiences early in their careers.
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A Tool for Improvement, Not Just Correct Decision-Making
The Indian spinner stressed that DRS should not just be viewed as a tool for correcting on-field errors but as an essential feedback mechanism. According to Ashwin, having access to DRS in domestic matches can significantly enhance players’ understanding of their batting techniques, helping them make quick adjustments and avoid long-term pitfalls when playing at the international level.
“This was not a faulty technique pre-DRS, but now it is. Imagine someone making the climb to international cricket without getting this experience Ricky got yesterday. He could very well take an entire Test series to understand what he needs to work on, and his career could be over. This is a fab experience for more than just one reason,” Ashwin added.
Calls for Full DRS in Ranji Trophy
Ashwin’s comments were echoed by former India A and Bengal wicketkeeper-batter Shreevats Goswami, who also advocated for the full implementation of DRS across all Ranji Trophy matches. Goswami took to X, stating that careers had been impacted by incorrect decisions in the past, and DRS could provide players with the confidence and freedom to perform without fear of dubious umpiring calls.
“Full DRS in Ranji is a must! Incorrect decisions have impacted careers in the past. With DRS, players can perform with more freedom and confidence,” Goswami said.
BCCI’s Efforts in Implementing DRS
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has gradually integrated DRS into its domestic tournaments, beginning with its introduction in the semi-finals and finals of the Ranji Trophy in the 2019-20 season, albeit with limited features. In recent years, the BCCI has expanded the scope of DRS, bringing its full version, complete with ball-tracking and UltraEdge technology, to the Ranji Trophy finals and now to the Duleep Trophy.
While the use of DRS in domestic cricket is still relatively new, the early success and player feedback suggest that its wider implementation could benefit the development of young cricketers. By giving batters real-time, objective feedback on their techniques, DRS is poised to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket.
Looking Ahead
As the domestic season progresses, the introduction of DRS in the Duleep Trophy is expected to continue generating conversation around its effectiveness and potential for wider use. With support from key players like Ashwin and Goswami, the push for a full rollout of DRS across all major domestic tournaments is gaining momentum. The BCCI’s willingness to embrace technological advancements will be critical in ensuring that Indian cricket continues to produce world-class talent, ready to take on the challenges of the international stage.
With the successful trial in the Duleep Trophy, players and fans alike are eager to see how DRS can further enhance the domestic game, ultimately benefiting Indian cricket as a whole.
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