India’s recent Test series defeat against New Zealand has sparked a debate about the team’s batting approach and the role of the batting coach. Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali has criticized the Indian batting coach for failing to guide the young batsmen in the nuances of Test cricket.
India’s 0-3 whitewash at home was largely attributed to their inability to handle spin bowling on turning pitches. Kiwi spinners Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel wreaked havoc, taking 13 and 11 wickets respectively. Basit Ali believes that the Indian batsmen were too aggressive and failed to adapt to the conditions.
“Who is India’s batting coach, not able to advise the batsmen that you approach Tests session by session? Trying to score 10-12 runs every over is not cricket,” said Basit.
He pointed out that young batsmen like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal threw away their wickets after getting starts. “Is there no one to tell players like Jaiswal and Gill that when you reach 30-35, then don’t get out playing loose shots, try to play out the session? Because only a set batsman can be successful (on such tracks), at that time he is your Bradman,” said Basit.
Basit also questioned the decision to prepare turning pitches for the series. “Jaiswal scored 200 against England. Those were better pitches. (Rahul) Dravid has a better mind (as a coach) compared to Gautam. Dravid used to advise for four-day pitches, so that a Test match goes at least until the fourth day. Let it turn from the third, fourth day, fifth day,” he said.
“But you guys are asking for wickets (that turn) from the first day, where someone who is not a regular spinner will get turn even if he bowls straight. Santner took 13 wickets in one Test, something he may not have done in a series of five ODIs,” he added.
India’s batting coach is currently unclear, with assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate not having a specific role in that area. Basit believes that the lack of a dedicated batting coach has contributed to the team’s struggles.
India will face a tough challenge in their upcoming tour of Australia, where they will play five Test matches. The first Test begins on November 22 in Perth.
