The ongoing ODI series between India and South Africa has taken an unexpected twist, with dew emerging as a decisive factor rather than batting and bowling brilliance. In both Ranchi and Raipur, the team batting second enjoyed a notable advantage due to heavy dew. So much so that even after posting a massive 358 runs in the second ODI, India could not prevent South Africa from chasing the total with calm professionalism.
This peculiar challenge has pushed India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, to make a surprisingly bold suggestion: change match timings. Although the idea sounds unconventional and even impractical, he believes that moving the start of play forward by two hours could significantly reduce the impact of dew during the second innings.
The dew issue has become particularly frustrating for India. On one hand, the team has struggled tactically due to conditions. On the other hand, they have been unlucky at the toss. Shockingly, India have lost the toss in 20 consecutive ODIs, stretching back to the 2023 World Cup. That statistical anomaly has proved costly, as opponents consistently choose to chase when dew is expected to fall.
South Africa, aware of the advantage, grabbed every opportunity. They decided to chase in both matches, and while they failed to reach the 350 target in Ranchi (finishing at 332), they made no such mistake in Raipur. Aiden Markram’s spectacular century, supported by Temba Bavuma’s solid captaincy and strong lower-order contributions, helped them chase down 359 — one of the highest successful run chases against India at home.
With the series now level, attention turns to Visakhapatnam, where the final ODI will be played on Saturday. Historically, the venue is notorious for severe dew issues, and India fear that losing the toss once again could leave them severely handicapped. South Africa, having exploited the conditions brilliantly so far, could once again enjoy a built-in advantage.
Speaking ahead of the game, ten Doeschate emphasised the need for creative solutions. He said, “Dew usually starts after the second innings begins, which means it influences the entire chase. Adjusting the start time could reduce its impact. If we begin the match two hours earlier, it might help. But honestly, this discussion feels pointless because it is unlikely to happen.”
Despite acknowledging the improbability of such timing changes, ten Doeschate insisted that the real challenge lies in finding ways to overcome the imbalance. “The difference between batting first and second has become too significant in ODIs. The dew factor is huge. It’s not our fault, but it’s our responsibility to find a way to win regardless.”
As the decisive clash looms, India must confront not only South Africa, but also nature itself. The question remains: will cricket strategy triumph, or will dew continue to dictate results?