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Simon Doull has gone on to claim that the Indian batters are no longer the best players of spin after the shocking first-innings performance against New Zealand.
Nine Indian batters were dismissed to spin during India’s first innings with the bat against New Zealand in Pune. (Image: Sportzpics)
After India’s shocking batting display against New Zealand in the second Test at Pune, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has shut down the notion that Indian batters are the best players of spin bowling.
The Indian batting unit has been disappointing of late, as they were bundled out for just 156 runs in the first innings. Mitchell Santner produced his career-best Test figures of 7/53 in 19.3 overs to send the Indian batters packing on Day 2.
“I think it is a misconception around the world now that these modern Indian players are better playing spin than anyone else. They are not. They are the same as everyone else around the world,” said Doull in a conversation with JioCinema during the lunch break on Friday.
“Gone are the days of Ganguly, Gambhir, Laxman and Dravid. Sachin was so, so good against spin, and the era before them,” he added.
During the era of legendary batters like Sachin, Ganguly, and others, Indian batters were renowned for being the best players of spin bowling, but the modern era has seen a drastic decline in their ability to play slower bowlers.
Doull reckons that any quality spin bowler can succeed against Indian batters. He also suggested that the players tend not to be happy when there are spin-friendly pitches in the Indian Premier League.
“I think good quality spinners are just as good at getting India out on turning tracks as Indian spinners against good quality opposition batters. And the moment they see a turning track in IPL, they complain,” he shared.
Earlier during India’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, the side led by Rohit Sharma was undone by the inexperienced Sri Lankan spin attack which resulted in a shocking series defeat to the Sri Lankan side. Questions had arisen at the time about India’s ability to play spin bowlers.
Now India finds themselves on the back foot as the Kiwis look to extend their lead and the Indian bowlers are under massive pressure to dismiss their opponents to ensure that they stand a chance of levelling the series and possibly taking the series to the final game where they have a chance of maintaining their long-standing undefeated series record at home.
