In an unprecedented move to ensure a fair competition, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) will deploy a special chemical imported from the United States to combat the dew factor during Thursday. t20 world cup 2026 super 8 Clash between India and Zimbabwe at MA Chidambaram Stadium. With temperatures rising in Chennai this week, dew had emerged as a potential game-changer in the evening encounter, but the innovative solution promises to level the playing field for both sides.
Dew challenge in Chepauk
The MA Chidambaram Stadium has historically seen a lot of dew during night matches at this time of the year, often making it easier to bat in the second innings as the ball slips on the bat while the bowlers struggle to hold on to the wet and slippery ball. This factor often influences the toss decision, with captains preferring to chase under lights.
The dew change could have proved decisive in securing victory in a match where India’s semi-final aspirations hang in the balance. The defending champions need to win both the remaining Super 8 matches against Zimbabwe and West Indies by solid margins to improve their net run rate of -3.800, which was reduced after the 76-run defeat by South Africa.
Dew treatment: chemicals imported from America
According to a report in The Indian Express, when the Chepauk outfield was renovated ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, the TNCA had anticipated the challenge of dew. The association had imported a chemical called ‘Dew Cure’ from the United States, which is used extensively at Major League Baseball (MLB) venues to manage field conditions.
The product works by eliminating moisture on grass leaves. “Once Dew Cure is sprayed, it ensures there is no moisture on the grass leaves. As soon as it gets wet, it will be absorbed and the grass leaves will dry out.” According to the report of Indian Express.
Three-day spray schedule ensures dry outfield
Ground staff have implemented a comprehensive program to maximize the effectiveness of the chemical. ‘Dew Cure’ was mixed with water and sprayed across the outfield on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, with the final application planned for Thursday afternoon before 7:00 pm IST.
India’s team management, which held extensive training sessions in Chepauk on both Tuesday and Wednesday, stayed back to see whether dew would have any impact. It is understood that they were satisfied with the conditions and would not be concerned about humidity during the game.
BCCI eyes T20 World Cup 2026 knockouts and upcoming IPL
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is closely monitoring the effectiveness of the ‘Dew Cure’ and is likely to implement the same methodology for the semi-finals and final of the T20 World Cup 2026, although there has been no official confirmation.
More importantly, the board is considering making the use of ‘dew cure’ mandatory at all venues during the upcoming session Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 seasonGiven how much dew has affected T20 results in recent years. If implemented, it could fundamentally change how captains approach toss decisions and team combinations in evening matches.
Chepauk’s unnatural transformation
Interestingly, the Chepauk surface has produced unusually favorable batting conditions during this tournament. Traditionally known as a spinner’s paradise where slower bowlers dominate, the reeling outfield has offered genuine pace and carry, resulting in an average first innings score of 187 in six matches.
Fast bowlers have taken almost 56% of the wickets at the venue during the World Cup, reflecting the evolution of the surface, dew ineffective and pitches offering consistent bounce, Thursday’s contest promises to be a pure battle between bat and ball rather than a lottery decided by the evening humidity.
As India prepares to face Zimbabwe with their tournament lives at stake, TNCA’s proactive innovation ensures that cricket, not conditions, will determine the outcome in Chepauk.
Also read: IND vs ZIM, T20 World Cup 2026 – MA Chidambaram Stadium Pitch Report, T20I Stats & Records