India's record in overseas pink-ball Tests stands at two matches played and two losses, both against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, occurring four years apart.

The day-night Test in December 2020 against Tim Paine's team marked only India's second experience with this format. Prior to this, they had successfully faced Bangladesh in the inaugural pink-ball Test in India at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, in November 2019. India began their away campaign with promise, scoring 244 runs and subsequently dismissing the hosts for 191, establishing a lead of 53 runs.

However, the situation deteriorated rapidly. In a shocking turn of events, India was bowled out for a mere 36 runs during the first session of the third day, marking their lowest Test score. This left Australia requiring only 90 runs for victory, which they achieved comfortably, winning by eight wickets.

Since that defeat, India has hosted two pink-ball Tests—against England in Ahmedabad in February 2021 and against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru the following March. Both matches resulted in decisive victories for India, yet their last experience with the pink ball prior to this week was over two and a half years ago.

Adapting to the pink ball in a limited timeframe is a significant challenge. Despite extensive practice, two weeks cannot compensate for the absence of experience over two and a half years. The pink ball presents a different appearance and feel, and it interacts differently with a white sightscreen compared to a white ball against a black sightscreen. Additionally, its behaviour adds another layer of complexity.

In natural light, the pink ball can be quite challenging for even the most skilled players. Under floodlights, it tends to seam extensively, and swing can also become a factor. While the difficulties faced by batters on both sides are similar, the disparity in experience—one team having played 12 day-night Tests compared to the other's four—creates a notable imbalance that can significantly impact performance.

Australia's most recent pink-ball match took place earlier this year in January against the West Indies. Although they suffered a defeat in that game—marking their sole loss in a day-night Test—it is evident that they are more accustomed to these conditions compared to India. This was particularly evident in the performance of Marnus Labuschagne, who has achieved four centuries in pink-ball Tests, as well as the impressive display by Travis Head, who secured his third century in a day-night five-day match.

Visible Frailties: India's Ongoing Struggles with the Pink Ball Exposed Again

The absence of muscle memory was not limited to the Indian batters. Among all the fast bowlers participating in this match, only Jasprit Bumrah had prior experience in a day-night Test. Even he faced difficulties initially in adapting to the unique characteristics of the pink ball, which is coated with multiple layers of lacquer to prevent rapid fading. For the umpteenth time in the past week, Rohit dismissed the challenges associated with the pink ball, stating, "It is what it is; you expect a pink ball Test when you come to Australia." However, one could sense that the Indian captain was relieved that there would be no further pink-ball challenges for the remainder of the series.

The value of investing significant effort into a sporadic contest that occurs perhaps once every two years is open to extensive debate. Nevertheless, as Rohit noted, this format is likely to persist—if not as a regular occurrence, then certainly as an occasional feature within a series of four or five matches. There is little merit in lamenting this novelty when others have embraced the concept, and the fans have shown enthusiasm; over 135,000 spectators attended the Adelaide Oval from Friday to Sunday, marking the highest attendance for a Test match involving India in Adelaide, with two full days still remaining. This reality cannot be overlooked. India is likely to increase its investment in pink-ball matches in the future, as they have historically been slow to adapt to changes—this was evident with limited-overs cricket, the T20 format, and the introduction of the DRS. However, once they do embrace these changes, they tend to do so with considerable vigour.

The day-night Test format presently serves as an addition to and enhancement of the conventional red-ball format, and it is difficult to envision a shift in this dynamic in the near future. However, for India to overcome the challenges associated with pink-ball Tests and prevent further disappointments in away day-night matches, they must make significant efforts. Failing to do so may result in repeated failures similar to those experienced in Adelaide in 2020 and 2024.

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