WTC Final: India Use Multi-coloured Rubber ‘Reaction Balls’ in Fielding Drills to Adjust to Wicked Deviation

The Indian team’s training sessions over the years have had their share of innovations and it is now using multicolored rubber balls to hold drills to accommodate last-minute deviations that could cost them dearly.

Rising star Shubman Gill takes a catch with the green ball during one of the Indian team’s fielding drills at the Arundel Ground in Portsmouth.

There were also yellow balls, but not lawn tennis balls, usually seen when keeper and close-in fielders make powerful hit reflex catches.

“These are exclusively rubber balls, not the ones we are used to seeing in gully cricket. It is made for fielding drill. These balls are named ‘reaction balls’ and are only used for fielding drills in certain countries, mainly England or New Zealand, where windy and cold conditions become a factor,” a well-known fielding the coach, who has worked in NCA and national camps, told PTI.

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Asked if there was any significance to the green balls that Gill used to practice catching, he said: “I don’t think there is any specific scientific or cricketing reason for a particular colour. But There is certainly a reason to use rubber balls like that for catching practice – especially for slip fielders and keepers.”

“In England, due to the inherent dampness and the greener outfield (over 22 yards) it means that the ball will wobble a lot more than usual.

“England is the only country and to a lesser extent New Zealand, you will find that deliveries that beat the outside edge of the batsman are deflected wickedly, making it difficult to collect or catch the ball. Dukes in England is actually more fumble more,” the coach said.

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He then explained why these rubber “reaction balls” are being used for training.

“These balls are lighter in weight and hence tend to wobble and swing more or even deflect. The idea is to adjust to this changing trajectory or line of the ball.

“Now different colors are used to come in color because it is a human tendency to lose sight of the ball at the last second. Different colors help you to judge the line of deviation till the last moment while holding the ball. Are.”

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI,