Team India's Performance Under The Pink Ball: Three Victories And One Defeat In Day-Night Tests

Cricket played under lights with a pink ball presents distinct challenges for batsmen. The pink ball is known for its extra swing and sharper seam visibility, especially under lights, requiring players to adjust their playing style accordingly.

India has excelled in day-night Test matches, winning three out of four games. Their journey began in 2019, with three matches at home and one abroad. Let's explore their performances in these matches.

In 2019, India made a remarkable debut with the pink ball against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The Indian pace attack, led by Ishant Sharma (5 wickets), Umesh Yadav (3 wickets), and Mohammed Shami (2 wickets), dominated by exploiting the ball's movement under lights, dismissing Bangladesh for 106 runs.

Virat Kohli scored a century as India declared at 347/9. Bangladesh struggled again in their second innings, bowled out for 195 with Mushfiqur Rahim scoring 74. India won by an innings and 46 runs within three days.

India faced a tough challenge in their first overseas pink-ball Test against Australia in Adelaide in 2020. After scoring 244 in the first innings, India collapsed to just 36 runs in the second innings, marking their lowest-ever Test total.

Australia's pacers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins effectively used the pink ball's movement. Hazlewood took five wickets while Cummins claimed four. Australia chased down the target of 90 easily, winning by eight wickets.

Ahmedabad Victory: Spin Dominance Against England

Back on home soil in Ahmedabad in 2021, India showcased their skills against England. On a spin-friendly pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium, Axar Patel (11 wickets) and Ravichandran Ashwin (7 wickets) were instrumental in India's win.

The match concluded within two days as England struggled against India's spinners under lights. Axar Patel took six wickets in the first innings and five more later. India won by ten wickets after bowling out England for just 81 runs in the second innings.

Bengaluru Success: Comprehensive Win Over Sri Lanka

In Bengaluru in 2022, India secured a significant victory over Sri Lanka. Batting first, India scored 252 runs with Shreyas Iyer top-scoring at 92. Lasith Embuldeniya and Praveen Jayawickrama each took three wickets for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka was dismissed for 109 runs with Angelo Mathews scoring 43. Jasprit Bumrah shone with a five-wicket haul for India. In response, India declared at 303/9 with Shreyas Iyer adding another crucial knock of 67 runs.

Sri Lanka faced a daunting target of 447 but managed only 208 runs despite Dimuth Karunaratne's century (107) and Kusal Mendis' contribution of 54 runs. India's comprehensive performance ensured a comfortable victory.

The twilight period during day-night Tests poses visibility challenges that bowlers exploit well. Seamers benefit from increased assistance during this time, though spinners have also found success with the pink ball.