Although he did not have a “definitive answer” to the decline of Indian batters’ traditional strength, stand-in ODI captain KL Rahul acknowledged on Saturday that the team’s ongoing struggles against spin, particularly on home tracks, remain a concern.
His remarks coincide with a concerning trend in which the Indian batting lineup has repeatedly faltered against spinners on home grounds in Test cricket over the past two seasons—once their stronghold.
New Zealand in 2024 and, more recently, South Africa dismantled India 3-0 and 2-0 respectively, thanks to relentless spin attacks. Left-armers Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel tormented India for NZ, while off-spinner Simon Harmer led the charge for South Africa on surfaces offering plenty of turn.
“We haven’t played spin well enough in the last couple of seasons. I really don’t know why we did it earlier and why we aren’t doing it now. I don’t have a definitive answer. All we can do is to look at how to get better individually and as a batting group,” Rahul said on the eve of the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi.
It will take time, according to Rahul, and the batters will need to experiment with tactical and technical changes.
“It won’t change overnight. We’ll look at what improvements we need and hopefully by the time the Sri Lanka and Australia series come around, we’ll be better prepared. We’ll also reach out to seniors who played spin exceptionally well,” he added.
Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed concern, stating that India is “probably one of the poorest spin-playing nations in the world” due to their “pathetic” batting against spin.
Rahul stated that if Indian batsmen want to regain their customary advantage over spinners, they must individually “seek answers” and improve their technique.
The captain stated that although he had not yet examined the Ranchi surface, he anticipated a strong batting pitch based on previous ODIs in Ranchi.
“Historically, this is a good pitch for runs. We’ll assess it tomorrow and pick the team that gives us the best chance to win,” he said.
Rahul acknowledged the importance of strike rotation in the 50-overs format when asked about Virat Kohli’s intensive training session, during which the former captain concentrated significantly on strike rotation.
“In ODIs, singles are as important as boundaries. Virat is a master at that. We all keep learning from him. He’s excited to be back and his presence is always invaluable.”
Rahul stated that with Kohli and Rohit Sharma back, their influence was vital in a dressing room trying to recover from the defeat in the Test series.
“Their importance at any point is huge. To have senior players in the team obviously makes the dressing room feel a lot more confident. Having their presence and experience helps out a lot of players in the dressing room and helps out the team. So, we are really happy that they are here.
“Winning is the most important thing. So, that is what we are trying to focus on. Trying to forget what happened a week ago and focus on the game tomorrow and see how we can put in a collective performance,” he said.
Additionally, Rahul was happy to see veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja back in the ODIs for the first time since the ICC Champions Trophy in March.
“Jaddu has done the job for India time and again. His experience is huge for us,” he said.
Rahul emphasized that opportunities will arise but noted that someone like Ruturaj Gaikwad was unfortunate to frequently miss out due to an established top order.
“Rutu is a top-class player. He will get his opportunity at some stage and we are looking forward to giving him the chance and letting him show what he can do and do the job for the team. There is never a question mark about his skill and how good he is as a player. It is just about the right opportunities and the right timing has come.,” he said.
Although he stated that Rishabh Pant is capable of playing as a pure batter, Rahul added that the starting lineup will be decided later.
It appears that Pant will not be included in the final XI based on the clues. Throughout the training session, Rahul had kept wickets.
“He is someone who has been with the team for a long time and everyone has seen what he can and can’t do for the team. The players who are already in the team and who are coming to perform, sometimes you just have to wait for your opportunity.
“You will find out tomorrow who will be playing and who will be left behind. But obviously, he is good enough to play as a batter as well. But if he is in the 11th, then obviously he will take the gloves,” he noted.
Rahul, who will stay at number six, stated that rhythm and tactical discipline are still India’s top priorities in ODI cricket.
“ODI cricket is about mindset. Everyone is good technically. It’s about reading situations better,” he said.
Regarding MS Dhoni’s potential attendance at the game in his hometown, Rahul stated that his presence energizes the squad as well.
“We all grew up watching MS. If he’s at the stadium, the players and the crowd both feel the buzz,” he said.
