Former India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin doesn’t understand the fuzz about the criticism of the Sanspareils Greenlands (SG) cricket ball from the India camp, with Umesh Yadav the most recent to express his dissatisfaction with the nature of the ball used in Indian cricket for nearly 25 years.

Speaking to The Times of India, Azharuddin wondered what’s need for the sudden criticism and why there were not addressed with the manufacturers directly.

Describing his point further Azhar said, “I remember the years – since 1984-85 – when the Dukes balls were used and how the seam used to go rough. It was clear that in Indian conditions they wouldn’t work. It was in 1993 when the SG was first introduced and India went on to dominate all cricket they played at home. Look at the overall country-wise average of bowlers bowling with different balls in different conditions. That will give you the answer. So, what’s the fuss about? I really can’t understand what their (India’s) grouse is.”

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After taking a ten-wicket haul in the Hyderabad Test against the Windies Umes commented about the condition of the ball and his words echoed the sentiments of the wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav who took six wickets in the Rajkot Test and then said he found it tough to bowl with the SG ball. Before them, R Ashwin and Virat Kohli were also critical of the nature of the SG ball. This led Azharuddin to wonder why bowlers who took wickets with the SG ball had such an issue with it.

Azharuddin said, “If you’ve taken six wickets, then how can you complain about the ball? Even in pace bowling, Yadav picked a 10 wicket haul, no? So, where’s the complaint? You’ve got to use what suits your conditions best. That’s also the challenge in Test cricket. I can’t go to England and say we’ll play with SG. They’ll have the Dukes ball. Similarly, if England is coming here, there is a different set of challenges they are going to face.”

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Former Indian skipper also urged India’s cricketers to speak to the manufacturers instead of venting their complaints in public.

Azhar concluded, “If there is a problem with the ball, go to the manufacturer and tell them what’s required to be done. I heard that there were some complaints about how the seam is not up enough and all. Whatever the case, just call them and let them know. If I had a problem with my bat during the playing days, I would go to the maker and tell him what problem I was facing and ask the makers to work on it, do something about it.”