IND vs NZ: It's a misconception that modern Indian batters play spin better, says Simon Doull

Simon Doull cited the examples of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid for comparison with the current Indian batsmen.

In the IND vs NZ 2nd test in Pune, New Zealand are in a commanding position after their brilliant bowling display on the second day of the test match.

After bundling out New Zealand for 259 runs on the first day, India were looking to take advantage in the game by posting a huge first-innings total. Their horror batting display, however, has landed them in a dire situation with the visitors taking a first-innings lead of 103 runs.

Mitchell Santner was the star of the show with the ball for the Kiwis, recording his career-best figures of 7/53. Santner dismantled the Indian middle order before lunch by taking the key wickets of Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and Sarfaraz Khan.

Adding to the damage already caused, Santner returned to dismiss Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, and Jasprit Bumrah to finish with a seven-for. Santner’s spell mirrored the heroics of Indian spinner Washington Sundar, who had claimed a seven-for on the first day.

Simon Doull questions Indian batsmen’s spin-playing prowess

At lunch on Day 2, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull voiced a critical opinion on modern Indian batsmen. Doull reckons that the perception among the fans and most experts of modern-day Indian batsmen being good against spin bowling is exaggerated.

Simon Doull also referred to a few of the all-time great Indian batters like Ganguly and Laxman for comparison.

“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.

“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.”

India will have to turn things around quickly if they have to save their unbeaten home series record spanning over the last 11 years.

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