‘India Cannot Play Spin’: Kiwi Commentator Lashes Out at Indian Players

Former New Zealand cricketer and commentator Simon Doull has offered a scathing review of Indian batters’ struggles against spin the ongoing second test in Pune.

India’s vaunted batting line-up fell flat against Kiwi spinners Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips on day 2 with Santner finishing with 7 scalps and Phillips sending back two batters.

Doull, speaking on-air, dismissed the widely held belief that modern Indian players excel against spin, claiming they are just as susceptible as international players on turning pitches. He suggested this perceived strength against spin is rooted in past generations, noting that the current lot is far behind legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly once thrived.

“I think it’s a misconception now that modern Indian players are better at playing spin than anyone else. They aren’t,” Simon Doull stated. “Gone are the days of Ganguly, Gambhir, Laxman, and Dravid. Sachin was outstanding against spin, but now good spinners can challenge India just as much as any other team. We even see players complaining when IPL pitches turn,” he added, emphasizing the shift in India’s handling of spin over the years.

The Pune Test has revealed vulnerabilities in India’s line-up, raising concerns over their 12-year unbeaten home series streak.

New Zealand opted to bat first in Pune, riding half-centuries from Devon Conway (76 off 141 balls) and Rachin Ravindra (65 off 105 balls) to a score of 259 despite the track being tailor-made for India’s spinners after the first test debacle.

The decision for a turning track came to bite the home team back as Santner and Phillips went to town on Indian batters.

At close of play on day 2, the Kiwis had amassed a led of 301 runs with 5 wickets still in hand in their second innings, putting them in touching distance of a memorable series win.