The Carrom Ball in Cricket: Ajantha Mendis's Famous Variation
The carrom ball is an off-spin variation delivered by flicking the ball from the middle finger and thumb like a carrom board shot. Learn its origin, technique, and why it confuses batters.
What Is the Carrom Ball?
The carrom ball is a spin bowling variation where the ball is released by flicking it from between the middle finger and thumb — similar to how a piece is flicked in the carrom board game. This unusual release produces spin in a different direction from the bowler's usual deliveries and is extremely difficult for batters to read.
Who Invented the Carrom Ball?
Sri Lanka's Ajantha Mendis popularised the carrom ball in international cricket during the 2008 Asia Cup, taking 26 wickets in just 4 matches and confounding batters who had never faced the delivery. Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin are also known to bowl it.
Why It Confuses Batters
Batters read spin bowlers by watching their wrist and finger position at release. The carrom ball's flick grip is unlike any standard bowling grip, and most batters cannot distinguish a carrom ball from a regular off-break or leg-break until the ball bounces. The variation in spin direction across consecutive deliveries adds to the confusion.
Decline and Revival
After Ajantha Mendis's early career brilliance, batters studied his variations extensively and began to counter him more effectively. He became less effective as opposition teams built dossiers on his deliveries. However, when bowled well by Ashwin and others, the carrom ball remains an effective wicket-taking variation.
Frequently asked questions
Is the carrom ball legal in cricket?
Yes. The carrom ball is a legal delivery — the Laws of Cricket do not restrict grip variations. As long as it is not a throw (a straightening of the arm), any grip or wrist position at release is permitted.
Can the carrom ball be bowled by pace bowlers?
The carrom ball is exclusively a spin bowler's variation. The flick grip produces turn and dip but not genuine seam movement, so it is ineffective at pace.