The second day of the ongoing match between India Red and India Green witnessed batsmen dominating the proceedings under lights with the pink ball in the ongoing Duleep Trophy match. Reflecting on the day’s play after India Red’s Abhinav Mukund (162*) and Sudip Chatterjee (114) had piled on runs at the Greater Noida Stadium, Green’s Robin Uthappa said, “We started off badly. We bowled in bad areas. By the time we got our act together we lost the first session. When we came back they were very well set. I think the best time to bat with this ball is in the second session. I think the ball gets slightly older then and it becomes easy to bat. They batted really well and we gave a chance (Chatterjee was let off on 74) as well and they capitalised on it.” Asked if the wicket had eased out on the second day, Uthappa said, “I think yes, the wicket did ease out a little bit more on the second day. Hopefully it will stay the same. Generally the wicket in this part of the country starts to keep low towards third or fourth day, but hopefully with the grass on this wicket it stays that way.” Discussing the format, Uthappa said that it was about getting used to it. “It looks good. We have to give it time. Everything changes. The play starts late and you end very late. Once you play this format you will get used to it. There has been a lot of night (day-night) cricket with T20 and one-day and so I feel that once we play this format on a regular basis we will get used to it. Lot of preparation happens and we don’t quite know how to prepare yet. The more we play the more we will understand how to play in this format.” “Spotting the ball is not an issue. But I think the ball changes colour when the light changes. Towards the evening it becomes kind of orange but again in the night it becomes pink. Some players have felt the ball dip on them and that is a factor.” Speaking about batsmen and their role he said, “Once we see off the new ball, that period is simple as the ball doesn’t do much. It’s not a ball that we work with as far as shining is concerned. We tried shining the ball but not much is happening. However, it is early to say anything. You can’t say anything based on that.” Asked if it reverses, he said, “We tried to get it to reverse but it didn’t.” While discussing the 4mm grass that has to be kept on the track and its impact for the spinners, Uthappa said, “Here there has been dip; the ball has been turning a bit for the spinners. I do not really understand why, probably because the ball gets really old. If that’s the case they could make a rule where the ball can be changed at 60 overs instead of 80 and then we can still have a good match. That option can be given.” India Red’s Kuldeep Yadav who had claimed three wickets on the first day said, “It was challenging for the spinners. The shine of the ball is maintained,” while speaking about pink ball. He also mentioned that the ball comes on to the bat and is therefore better for the batsmen.