WHAT IS CARROM BALL? – UNDERSTAND AND LEARN TO USE THIS POWERFUL WEAPON!

Hello and welcome! Today, we will understand in detail ‘what is carrom ball?’ and learn how to bowl it. But before that, let us see how was this carrom ball invented and which great players used it as a weapon to get the batsman out.

Cricket, the gentleman’s game, has seen several innovations and variations over the years. Bowlers continuously strive to develop new techniques, leading to the evolution of various deliveries.

One such fascinating delivery that has captured the imagination of cricket enthusiasts worldwide is the Carrom Ball. The Carrom Ball, popularized by Ajantha Mendis, has emerged as a useful weapon in a spinner’s set of variations.

In this article, we will see the importance of the Carrom Ball, its origins, the mechanics behind and its significance in modern cricket.

WHAT IS CARROM BALL?

The Carrom Ball is a type of finger-spinning delivery primarily executed by off-spinners. Unlike a conventional off-break or doosra, the Carrom Ball spins in the opposite direction.

It deceives the batsman by skidding off the pitch rather than turning, making it challenging to read and play accurately.

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ORIGIN AND DEFINITION OF CARROM BALL

The term “Carrom Ball” is derived from the game of carrom, a tabletop game popular in the Indian subcontinent. It involves flicking a striker with a finger, causing it to slide and strike other coins.

Similarly, in cricket, the Carrom Ball is delivered with a flick of the finger, imparting a spinning motion while keeping the seam straight to get the batsman out.

HOW TO BOWL CARROM BALL?

We now know what is carrom ball and now we will learn how to bowl one.

To bowl a Carrom Ball, follow these step-by-step instructions:

1- Grip the ball: Hold the cricket ball with your dominant hand, using the thumb, middle finger, and index finger. Position the seam upright, parallel to the batsman.

The grip should be firm but comfortable, allowing you to execute the flick of the finger smoothly.

2- Body position: Adopt a balanced and athletic stance at the crease. Ensure your body is aligned with the target, and your bowling arm is relaxed and ready to execute the delivery.

3- Approach and release: Begin your run-up with a smooth and controlled approach. As you reach the bowling crease, maintain a steady rhythm. As you release the ball, focus on the following key aspects:

a. Flick of the finger: The most crucial element of the Carrom Ball is the flick of the finger. With a relaxed and flexible wrist, quickly flick the middle finger or index finger off the ball at the point of release. The flick should be sharp and decisive, imparting a strong sidespin on the ball.

b. Keep the seam straight: Unlike other spinning deliveries, the Carrom Ball requires you to keep the seam upright and unchanged during the release. This helps maintain the illusion of a conventional delivery.

c. Generate pace and accuracy: While executing the Carrom Ball, aim to maintain a consistent and accurate line and length. It is essential to generate enough pace to skid the ball off the pitch, making it difficult for the batsman to anticipate and react to the delivery.

4- Practice and experimentation: Perfecting the Carrom Ball requires dedicated practice. Experiment with different grips, finger placements, and variations in wrist action to find the technique that works best for you.

Observe and analyze the flight, spin, and trajectory of the delivery to make adjustments and refine your execution.

5- Mindset and strategy: The Carrom Ball is most effective when used strategically. Use it as a surprise variation to break the rhythm of the batsman or deceive a well-set opponent.

Consider the batsman’s strengths and weaknesses, the match situation, and the conditions before deploying the Carrom Ball.

This were the 5 simple steps to learn how to bowl a carrom ball.

Are you still confused? Watch this video to better understand what is carrom ball and how to grip a carrom ball.

IMPORTANCE OF CARROM BALL

The Carrom Ball has become an integral part of a spinner’s set of variations in modern cricket. Its deceptive nature makes it a valuable asset, particularly in limited-overs formats where batsmen look to dominate and score quickly.

With the ability to deceive even the most experienced batsmen, the Carrom Ball provides a crucial breakthrough option for bowlers.

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INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS WHO USE CARROM BALL

Ajantha Mendis, the Sri Lankan spin wizard, is credited with popularizing the Carrom Ball in international cricket. His mastery of the delivery, along with his other variations, such as the doosra, made him a formidable force.

Mendis’ success inspired several other spinners, including Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and Pakistani all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez, to incorporate the Carrom Ball into their bowling.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Carrom Ball, with its unique grip, deceptive spin, and skidding trajectory, has emerged as a game-changer in modern cricket. It provides a thrilling spectacle for fans and a strategic weapon for bowlers.

The art of delivering the Carrom Ball requires immense skill, precision, and practice. As cricket evolves, it is likely that we will witness further innovations and variations in bowling techniques.

If you want to master the carrom ball, use the steps given in the article in your practice sessions and over a period of time, you will be used to it and ultimately master it.

We hope by now you have got clear answer for ‘what is carrom ball?’ and how to bowl it!

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QNA

1. Why is it called a carrom ball?

A – The grip of a carrom ball is similar to the action of playing carrom game.

2. How do you bowl carrom ball like Ashwin?

A – It is mentioned in the article above.