TL;DR
- DRS technology makes LBW dismissals more frequent against spin, impacting traditional Indian batting techniques.
- Indian batsmen can no longer rely on pad play or stepping out to defend against spin effectively.
- Lack of practice on spinning domestic pitches hinders emerging Indian batsmen's ability to read and play spin.
- DRS has reduced the margin for error, forcing Indian batters to adapt their century-old spin-playing methods.
India had long set the standard for playing spin bowling. Observing Indian batsmen on a spinning home pitch was akin to witnessing artists execute their preferred craft. However, the landscape has changed somewhat following the introduction of DRS.
Indian batsmen are being dismissed LBW with greater frequency than previously, and their established methods of stepping out or employing the front pad for defense are no longer proving effective.
Fans often bring up older names like Gavaskar, Viswanath, Vengsarkar or Amarnath and ask why batting against spin looks harder now. The answer usually comes back to one line: 'post DRS, you can’t hide behind the pad.'
Let’s break down how DRS may be playing a big role in India’s recent troubles against spin.
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The introduction of DRS has significantly altered the LBW landscape for spin bowlers in Test matches.
Prior to DRS's integration into the sport, umpires rarely ruled LBW if the batter was positioned far forward, deep within the crease, or if the shot appeared at least partially attempted. The benefit of the doubt was consistently afforded, typically favoring the batter.
However, with ball-tracking technology now confirming the ball's trajectory is on course and will strike the wickets, umpires are quick to make a decision. Even if the batsman advances significantly, that same approach today might result in an immediate review and a dismissal. The margin for error has disappeared.
Umpires' confidence in technology allows them to be much more assertive on front-foot LBWs. Numerous decisions that previously seemed too marginal are now clear outs.
This situation has compelled batters, particularly those from India, to reconsider a whole generation's worth of technique that was centered on pad play.
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Has the advent of DRS rendered traditional Indian spin bowling methods obsolete?
For many years, Indian batting coaching was based on a straightforward principle: play close to the pad, employ gentle hands, only defend with the bat when necessary, and allow the forward stride to neutralize spin.
However, DRS has revealed the weaknesses of this approach. Even deliveries that are half-volleys or slower, and hit the pad before the bat, can be shown to be hitting the stumps. The pad, once a protective barrier, now acts as a disadvantage.
Today's finger-spinners deliver the ball with greater velocity, targeting the stumps directly, as they recognize LBW as a viable dismissal method. Increased speed gives the batter reduced reaction time for sweeping.
When faced with challenging pitches, such as during India's recent Test series defeat against South Africa, numerous Indian batsmen opted to advance their pads rather than employ their bats.
Indian batters: Enough quality spin practice?
This is another major concern raised by Dilip Vengsarkar and several former players. Many Test specialists play very little domestic red-ball cricket, especially on spinning surfaces.
Many Ranji Trophy games nowadays are contested on pitches offering more grass and less bounce. Consequently, emerging batsmen don't get sufficient exposure to dry, spinning surfaces, leaving their skill in deciphering spin under duress less refined.
As Indian batsmen continue to adjust to the DRS system, their historical reputation for being invincible at home against spin bowling may gradually diminish.