Controversy over DLS method after India’s opening ODI loss
India’s opening ODI against Australia in Perth was marred by rain, but the bigger controversy came after — when the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method once again came under scrutiny for its role in adjusting the target. Australia chased down a revised target of 131 with ease after India had managed 136/9 in their allotted 26 overs. The mere five-run deduction prompted criticism from several quarters — most notably from Sunil Gavaskar.
The former India captain questioned the fairness and clarity of the DLS system, which he believes continues to confuse both fans and stakeholders of the game. Speaking to India Today, he said:
“I don’t think too many people understand that method but it’s been there for a long time. There was an Indian who had come up with the VJD method, which I thought was a lot better because it made things even for both the teams. And the BCCI uses the VJD method in domestic cricket, not sure now,” Sunil Gavaskar said.
Gavaskar urges review of rain-affected target-setting protocols
Gavaskar went further, suggesting that cricketing authorities reconsider the protocols for setting revised targets in rain-hit encounters. He advocated for the VJD method — developed by Indian engineer V. Jayadevan — to be evaluated for use at the international level.
“Maybe that is something they need to look at and they need to push to make sure when a rain interruption takes place, both teams feel whatever target is given to you will be a lot fairer,” he continued.
While the DLS method has been in place for decades and remains the ICC’s standard approach for calculating adjusted targets, calls like Gavaskar’s reflect a broader concern that the system may not always yield equitable outcomes — especially in modern-day white-ball cricket.
Kohli and Rohit backed to bounce back after poor starts
Beyond the DLS debate, Gavaskar also offered a vote of confidence in Team India’s senior pros — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — who were both dismissed cheaply in the first ODI. The duo combined for just eight runs in what was their return to international cricket after a months-long break.
Still, Gavaskar remains optimistic that India’s batting fortunes will quickly improve, particularly with more time in the middle and the nets.
“India is a very, very good team. India won the Champions Trophy about four to five months ago. Don’t be surprised if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli score big in the next two games. They are coming back after a gap so the more they play and practice now in the nets with some good throwdowns from the reserve bowlers, they will be back amongst the runs. And once they are back amongst the runs, India’s total will be 300-320 plus,” he added.
All eyes on the second ODI in Adelaide
India now trail 0-1 in the three-match series, with the second ODI set to be played in Adelaide on October 23. After a frustrating and weather-affected start, both the team’s performance and the rules governing play will remain in the spotlight.
With Australia holding the advantage and questions swirling around the fairness of the DLS system, India’s response — and the form of Rohit and Kohli — could prove pivotal in turning the series around.
