Team India suffered yet another batting failure as they were bowled out for 156 runs in their first innings on the second day of the second Test match in Pune. It was yet another horrendous display against the spin bowling attack as Mitchell Santner scalped seven wickets for 53 runs to completely dismantle the Indian batting lineup.
During the lunch break on Day 2, former Kiwi cricketer, Simon Doull Criticised the current crop of Indian batters, their inability to play spin and compared them with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.
“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,” Simon Doull remarked while speaking with broadcasters Jio Cinema.
He added: “Gone are the days of Ganguly, Gambhir, Laxman and Dravid. Sachin was so, so good against spin, and the era before them. I think good quality spinners are just as good as 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.”
Team India conceded a 103 runs lead to New Zealand at the end of first innings
The Kiwi batters scored 259 runs in their first innings and hence the Indian batters were already in trouble after their first innings having conceded 103 runs leading the Black Caps on a pitch that was aiding the spinners and is going to be more difficult to bat soon a the days progress.
New Zealand piled on more misery on Team India as they were 198-5 in the second innings, having a mammoth lead of 301 runs at the end of Day 2. India will need to bowl out New Zealand quickly on Day 3 and have a massive batting performance in the fourth innings if they need to save the series and their home fortress.
The technique of Indian batters against the spinners has been in question lately. The batters have struggled to negate the spinners on helpful tracks, unlike former players who were known to be very good players of spin. The batters don’t use the sweep shot often and even don’t step down the track to negate the spin. So, it has been a point of concern for the current crop of Indian batters.
