India is known for its monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to September. During this period, the country receives heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, which can cause flooding, landslides, and disruption of transport and communication. The monsoon also affects the cricket pitches, making them wet, slow, and unpredictable.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon rainfall this year was its lowest since 2018. However, the IMD has also predicted that the monsoon will exit in the first week of October, which means that some of the early matches of the World Cup may still face the risk of rain interruption. Moreover, the IMD has forecasted normal to above-normal rainfall activity in many parts of Northeast, South Peninsular and adjoining East-Central India, along with some parts of Northwest India during the World Cup perio.
Rain can affect the outcome of a cricket match in many ways. It can reduce the number of overs, change the target score, alter the playing conditions, and influence the toss decision. It can also create frustration and uncertainty among the players and spectators. To deal with these situations, the ICC has adopted certain rules and methods, such as:
The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method: This is a mathematical formula that calculates the revised target score for the team batting second in a limited-overs match that is interrupted by rain or other factors. The DLS method takes into account the number of overs lost, the number of wickets fallen, and the scoring rate of both teams.
The reserve day: This is an extra day allocated for a match that is washed out or abandoned due to rain or other factors. The reserve day is only available for the semi-finals and the final of the World Cup. If a match is not completed on its scheduled day, it will resume on the reserve day from where it left off. However, if there is no play possible on both days, then the higher-ranked team in the group stage will progress to the next round.
The super over: This is a tie-breaker method that is used when a match ends in a tie after applying the DLS method or after completing the allotted overs. In a super over, each team nominates three batsmen and one bowler to play one over each. The team with the higher score in the super over wins the match. If both teams score equal runs in the super over, then the team that hit more boundaries in the match and the super over combined wins the match.
While these rules and methods are designed to ensure fair play and minimize loss of time, they are not without controversy and criticism. Some experts and fans argue that they are too complex, arbitrary, or unfair to one or both teams. For instance, in the 2019 World Cup final between England and New Zealand, England won by virtue of hitting more boundaries after both teams tied in the match and the super over. Many people felt that this was an unjust way to decide such an important match.
Therefore, it is hoped that rain will not play a major role in the upcoming World Cup and that all matches will be decided by skill and performance rather than by luck or chance. However, rain is also an integral part of nature and culture in India, and it can bring joy and relief to many people. As long as it does not interfere with cricket too much, rain can also add some charm and drama to the game. After all, cricket is not just a sport; it is also an art.