The idea that Indian batters are the finest players of spin bowlers has been disproved by former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull following India’s dismal batting performance against New Zealand in the second Test match in Pune. After being blown out for just 156 runs in the first innings, the Indian batting unit has been underwhelming lately. On Day 2, Mitchell Santner sent the Indian batters reeling with his career-best Test figures of 7/53 in 19.3 overs.
Simon Doull on Indian players
“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.
Indian batters were known for being the finest spin bowlers during the time of great batters like Sachin, Ganguly, and others, but their ability to play slower bowlers has drastically declined in the present era. According to Doull, any good spin bowler can outperform Indian hitters. Additionally, he claimed that when the Indian Premier League features spin-friendly fields, the players are often not pleased.
“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.
The inexperienced Sri Lankan spin attack earlier in India’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka destroyed Rohit Sharma’s team, causing the Sri Lankans to suffer a surprising series loss. At the time, there were concerns regarding India’s capacity to use spin bowlers. India is currently at a disadvantage as the Kiwis try to increase their lead. The Indian bowlers are under tremendous pressure to get rid of their opponents in order to give themselves a chance to tie the series and possibly advance to the final game, where they could keep their historic undefeated home series record.
