Explained: What is VJD method and how does it work?

The VJD method became a topic of discussion after its use in the ongoing Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 2024. The V Jayadevan (VJD) method came into play in the Hubli Tigers vs Mangalore Dragons clash at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday.

Later, with a target of 80 runs, the game was reduced to seven overs. Rain continued to spoil the fun as the Manish Pandey-led Tigers had to end their chase at 69/1 in 5.1 overs. However, the VJD method was soon implemented to adjudge the Tigers the winners by 15 runs.

What is the VJD method? 

The VJD method is an alternative used for the DLS (Duckworth–Lewis–Stern) method in Indian domestic matches. In 2007, BCCI's Technical Committee, headed by Sunil Gavaskar, first approved the VJD method for all limited-over domestic matches in India. Since then, this method has been used in various domestic cricket tournaments in India, but still not many people know about this Indian model.

How does the VJD method work?

Similar to DLS, the VJD method is a mathematical formula used to determine target scores in rain-affected cricket matches. Created by V. Jayadevan, an engineer from Kerala, this method has many similarities to the DLS, but differences too.

The VJD calculation is based on various variables including the run rate at the moment of interruption, the number of overs played and the number of wickets lost. In addition, the resources available to the team batting second, number of overs remaining and wickets held will be considered. The target score is determined by looking at the percentage of runs scored in each of the seven scoring phases. 

This ‘made in India’ method has several advantages over the DLS method and is simpler and easier to comprehend. Although it is widely used in domestic competitions, the world's biggest franchise T20 league, the Indian Premier League (IPL), has followed the DLS method since its inception in 2008.