R Ashwin stated that teams from SENA countries dedicate more practice to spin conditions than India does, remarking, ‘India are not the best players of spin’.

Divy Dubey

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‘India are not the best players of spin’ — R Ashwin says SENA teams practice more for spin conditions than India do image

(getty)

TL;DR

  • India lost the first Test against South Africa by 30 runs due to a volatile pitch.
  • Ravichandran Ashwin stated batters need strong defense against spin on challenging pitches.
  • Ashwin believes India doesn't practice spin enough, unlike Western teams.
  • The debate continues on India rethinking preparation for spin-heavy conditions.

Following the conclusion of the first India-South Africa Test at Eden Gardens, a significant discussion has emerged due to the match's premature finish, which saw the home team, India, defeated by 30 runs.

Day 1's initial subdued pitch presentation evolved into a much more volatile Day 2, resulting in a rapid succession of wickets and renewed examination of India's spin-friendly pitches.

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As both sides battled for dominance and few batsmen displayed assurance facing spin, the conversation regarding approach, readiness, and the quality of the playing surface has been the main topic in post-game analysis.

Ravichandran Ashwin's perspective on batting technique when facing spin

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin analysed how only a few batters from either side managed to defend well on the sharply turning surface.

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He stated that a player's defense needs to be strong to succeed on pitches that grip and turn; otherwise, these conditions will reveal their technical flaws.

"In these batting line-ups we're talking about, only three players out of 15-16 defended well. Simon Harmer's bowling was good. If you want to play on turning or challenging pitches, your defence against spin has to be very good. If it's not, don't play on such pitches," said Ashwin.

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Ashwin highlighted India's own preparation methods, noting that teams from SENA nations have undertaken more focused training for spin conditions, viewing their visits to India as a challenge they must overcome.

Ashwin contrasted that with India's current approach, saying that the team practices more for battling fast bowling challenges abroad than it does for maintaining its reputation of playing spin well at home.

"We're not the best players of spin right now. Many Western teams are better because they practice it more. We don't practice enough, but we're superior against fast bowling because we treat that as a challenge. We don't treat this as one," he added.

Ashwin's comments now feed into a wider debate on whether India needs to rethink their preparation for spin-heavy conditions — a topic that's likely to stay in focus well beyond this Test.

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Editorial Team