IIT Madras question paper asks students to help MS Dhoni in a coin toss

Professor Vignesh Muthuvijayan, who set the paper, said he wanted to create a fun learning experience for students.

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Tensions are high among students sitting down for end-of-semester exams to test their knowledge. But a question paper given to students of Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) offered a light moment that left the students giggling inside the exam hall. It also ended up grabbing the attention of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

In the first question of the Material and Energy Balances paper, students taking the end-of-semester exam were asked to help Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni to choose whether to bat or field if he wins the toss in his next Indian Premier League match.

“Dew can play a major role in day-night matches. Excessive dew in the outfield makes the ball wet. For spinners, the challenge is to grip the wet ball and get it to impart spin. For fast bowlers, it is difficult to hit the desired length. Hence, this can put the fielding team at a disadvantage. During IPL 2019, Chennai Super Kings are likely to play a qualifier at Chepauk Stadium on May 7. As per the weather forecast on May 7, the relative humidity in Chennai is expected to be 70 per cent. The temperature at the start of the game is expected to be 39 degrees. At the beginning of the second innings, the temperature is expected to drop to 27 degrees. Based on this info, if Dhoni wins the toss would you recommend batting or fielding first. Justify your answer,” read the question.

Professor Vignesh Muthuvijayan, who formulated the question for students, told TNM, "I had set this question as a way to test students' understanding of psychrometric charts and dew point calculation. I designed the question by including IPL because it just makes the learning experience fun for the students."

Vignesh said he was inspired by his own school teachers who would use pop culture references to explain mundane topics. "I am cricket fan and do watch the games when I get time. But, my classes don't specifically involve cricket references. I try to use any day-to-day reference that can catch the attention of students. Ultimately, the goal is to convey the concept that needs to be learnt."

The question paper has since gone viral with the ICC tweeting about it.

“Shout out to Professor Vignesh at @iitmadras for making exams relevant to important, real-life issues! Can anyone help @msdhoni and @ChennaiIPL make a decision before the toss tomorrow? (and show your workings),” ICC tweeted.

Shout out to Professor Vignesh at @iitmadras for making exams relevant to important, real-life issues!



Can anyone help @msdhoni and @ChennaiIPL make a decision before the toss tomorrow? (and show your workings) pic.twitter.com/8fp7rGI5BG — ICC (@ICC) May 6, 2019

ICC’s tweet also churned up a lot of fun responses from Twitter, who also pitched in to show their expertise.

Saturation pressure of water at 39C: 0.07 Bar

Absolute pressure of water vapour corresponding to 70% RH: 0.049 Bar

Dew point of water vapour at 0.049 Bar: 32.5C

Since temperature drops to 27C, there will definitely be dew. @ChennaiIPL @msdhoni should field first May 7, 2019

MS Dhoni won the toss ahead of Chennai's match on Tuesday and chose to bat.