Stand-in ODI captain KL Rahul has acknowledged that India’s batting struggles against spin—particularly at home—have become a serious concern. Speaking ahead of the first ODI against South Africa, Rahul said he cannot explain why a team once considered the best in the world against spin is repeatedly faltering on turning tracks.
His comments follow a worrying trend: for two consecutive seasons, India have been outplayed by visiting sides relying almost entirely on spin.
India’s Recent Home Failures Against Spin
In early 2024, New Zealand handed India a 3–0 whitewash, driven by left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel. More recently, South Africa stunned India with a 2–0 sweep, courtesy of off-spinner Simon Harmer, who consistently troubled India’s top order on spinning surfaces.
Rahul admitted that the pattern is hard to ignore.
“We haven’t played spin well enough in the last couple of seasons,” he said.
“I don’t know why we did it well before and why we aren’t doing it now. I don’t have a definitive answer.”
“Improvement Will Be Gradual,” Says Rahul
The Indian skipper stressed that fixing the issue will require both technical and tactical adjustments, and will not happen immediately.
“It won’t change overnight,” Rahul said.
“We’ll look at what improvements we need, and hopefully, by the Sri Lanka and Australia series, we’ll be better prepared.”
Rahul added that the team will also seek guidance from senior cricketers known for their mastery against spin.
He urged batters to take individual responsibility:
“Each batter has to seek answers and refine technique to regain our advantage against spinners.”
Ashwin’s Earlier Criticism Echoes Rahul’s Concern
Rahul’s comments come days after veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin criticised India’s approach against spin, calling their recent batting “pathetic” on turning tracks. Ashwin said India have “probably become one of the poorest spin-playing nations in the world,” despite their long-standing dominance in these conditions.
He also defended head coach Gautam Gambhir, insisting that it is unfair to blame the coach when the players themselves have not adapted or taken enough responsibility.
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