Veteran Indian off-spinner R Ashwin has slammed the team's struggling performance against spin bowling following a 0-2 Test series loss to South Africa. He explained the reasons behind the decline in India's spin-playing skills, which contributed to a humiliating 408-run defeat. The batters particularly faltered against South African spinners like Simon Harmer.
In the aftermath of India's 0-2 whitewash by South Africa in the Test series, R Ashwin, one of India's premier spinners, openly criticized the team's 'poor' batting against spin. The series concluded with South Africa securing a massive 408-run victory in the final match in Guwahati, where Indian batters struggled significantly.
Ashwin highlighted how India has become one of the poorest spin-playing nations, attributing the decline to various factors including changes in domestic cricket conditions. He pointed out the role of neutral curators in Indian pitches and the reduction in first-class wickets, which he believes have eroded attritional Test cricket skills honed against South African conditions.
South African spinners dominated the series, with Simon Harmer claiming 17 wickets and Keshav Maharaj also troubling the Indian lineup. Ashwin's comments come amid scrutiny of head coach Gautam Gambhir following the loss. 'How did India become one of the poorest spin-playing nations?' Ashwin questioned, emphasizing the need to address these batting struggles against spin.
The defeat underscores broader concerns in Indian cricket about preparing for subcontinental conditions while adapting to overseas challenges.