India’s spin-first approach reflects a clear priority

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Vaibhav Tripathi, Colombo

The numbers alone told the story. Three specialist spinners from the squad. Four net bowlers. Five or six local slow bowlers. Together, they formed the centrepiece of India’s first practice session at the NCC Grounds in Colombo, with every batter spending extended periods against spin in what was easily the busiest net of the day. It was evident that the team’s primary focus was on playing spin.

What stood out even more was the profile of the batters using that net. It was not confined to the frontline batters. Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain also padded up against the spinners, a sign that the team want everyone, regardless of their primary role, to spend time against slow bowling. It reflected a preparation strategy built around repetition, with India looking to maximise their exposure to the conditions they expect to encounter in Sri Lanka.

India’s vulnerability against spin has become increasingly difficult to ignore since the home series defeat to New Zealand in 2024. Their methods against slow bowling have come under sustained scrutiny, and the defeat to South Africa last year only reinforced the perception that it remains an area of concern. Sri Lanka, with its reputation for producing spin-friendly pitches and offering assistance to slow bowlers deep into Test matches, presents another examination. Judging by the first practice session, India are leaving little to chance as they attempt to address a weakness that could shape the outcome of the series.

Gautam Gambhir was seen closely monitoring the dedicated net where the batters were facing the spinners. At the start of the practice session, the India head coach had a lengthy conversation with Ravindra Jadeja before Manav Suthar joined them.

Devdutt Padikkal did not take any throwdowns and was the first batter to face the tweakers. In a session that lasted close to 40 minutes, he looked the least confident batter against spin. On several occasions, he was beaten on the outside edge by Saransh and on the inside edge by Jadeja and Suthar. There was a noticeable lack of footwork. But when Shubman Gill walked in, he made batting look effortless on a turning practice wicket. Solid in defence and proactive against spin, using his feet regularly, Gill looked in a different zone altogether. The other batters, including Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, also enjoyed a productive hit-out in the nets.

Gambhir remained deeply involved throughout the session. He was seen having lengthy discussions with Gill, Pant, Jurel and Jadeja about technical adjustments during practice. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also spent considerable time in conversation with Gill.

The choice to travel with four net spinners is perhaps the clearest indication yet of where India’s attention lies. Recent failures against spin have shaped both the conversation and the preparations, and the team appear determined to ensure they are better equipped when the series gets underway.

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