Indian Batters Shift Focus to Spin Practice in Dubai

Indian batters have adjusted their practice regimen in Dubai, concentrating on spin bowling in preparation for their crucial ICC Champions Trophy match against New Zealand. This change comes after noting the spin-friendly conditions of the Dubai pitches.

In a dedicated session at the ICC Academy nets, Indian players demonstrated their commitment to adapting their gameplay. KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer focused on handling spin in the first net, while Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant alternated between positions to face pace attacks in the second net.

The emphasis on spin practice is evident throughout the team’s preparations. Previously, Virat Kohli had sessions against academy spinners before facing Pakistan, showcasing the pattern of adjustment to the spinning tracks.

The Dubai conditions favor spin bowlers, prompting the Indian team to prioritize quality spin encounters during training. R Sridhar, former India fielding coach, highlighted in his book the necessity of preparing specifically for spin, a point the team appears to be addressing effectively.

In previous ICC events held in Dubai, India’s batting lineup saw improvements in training regimens, leading to better handlings of diverse bowling styles. An example of these improvements is evident as Shreyas Iyer effectively utilized reverse sweeps in the match against Pakistan. This skill development is aided by face-time with top spinners like Kuldeep Yadav, whose deliveries prompted various strategic strokes from KL Rahul during practice.

Furthermore, India’s team management includes three dedicated sidearm specialists: Raghavendra, Dayanand Garani, and Nuwan Seneviratne. Their involvement has received positive feedback from the batters, though their role has lessened in Dubai as more focus is placed on facing actual bowlers.

In conclusion, India’s tailored sessions aim to refine the players’ skills against spin, which will be vital against New Zealand’s spinners like Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell. This strategic shift in practice methodology highlights the team’s proactive approach to adapting to pitch conditions, boosting their chances in upcoming matches.