The carrom ball, a deceptive delivery in cricket, has been a game-changer for several spin bowlers, notably India’s Ravichandran Ashwin and Sri Lanka’s Ajantha Mendis. This technique involves flicking the ball with the middle finger and thumb, causing it to spin unpredictably and confound batsmen.
Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, was renowned for his mastery of the carrom ball. Reflecting on his career, Ashwin once remarked, “I felt only mad people succeed in life and if you’re mad about something and believe in something, you will come out on top.”
Ashwin’s journey with the carrom ball began during his early cricketing days. He credited a fellow player, Karthik Sekhar, for introducing him to this unique delivery. Ashwin recalled, “Till today I can’t find where the guy is but I haven’t seen a better bowler who can bowl both in and out than him in my life. His name is SK. He was the one from whom I learned that ball.”
Ajantha Mendis, another prominent exponent of the carrom ball, brought this delivery into the limelight during his tenure with the Sri Lankan cricket team. His unique bowling style, which included the carrom ball, left batsmen bewildered. Mendis described his technique, stating, “It is a carrom ball,” comparing his delivery to the billiards-type board game that involves flicking disks into pockets.
The effectiveness of the carrom ball lies in its unpredictability. Unlike traditional off-spin deliveries, the carrom ball can spin in either direction, making it challenging for batsmen to anticipate its trajectory. This element of surprise has led to its widespread adoption among spin bowlers seeking to diversify their arsenal.
However, mastering the carrom ball requires significant practice and precision. Ashwin emphasized the importance of adaptability in his bowling, stating, “Adaptability is one of the biggest strengths that I have. To make decisions on the field, try and convince my captain to change fields, try and make him give that extra couple of overs.”
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The carrom ball’s influence extends beyond individual players. It has inspired a generation of spin bowlers to experiment with unconventional techniques, contributing to the evolution of spin bowling in modern cricket. The delivery’s success has also prompted discussions about the importance of innovation and creativity in the sport.
In conclusion, the carrom ball has significantly impacted cricket, offering spin bowlers a potent weapon to challenge batsmen. Pioneers like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ajantha Mendis have showcased the delivery’s potential, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. As Ashwin aptly put it, “Spin is an art not everyone can master.”
