Team India face sharp scrutiny once again, as another tough outing against spin has brought back an issue that simply does not go away. The recent defeat to South Africa, where India failed to chase a modest target of 124, raised concerns that have lingered around this batting group for some time.
Moreover, former players have reacted bluntly, which adds extra pressure, and this time, Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his frustration. According to the report, he spoke through his YouTube channel and compared eras to explain why the current side keeps faltering against quality spin.
Meanwhile, Ashwin stressed that batters from the previous generation showed stronger, compact methods, and he highlighted names such as Amol Muzumdar, Mithun Manhas, and Sachin Tendulkar to show the contrast. The former off-spinner argued that players from that period could stretch games deep even on tracks that demanded firm judgement, and he noted that only a small handful in the present set-up seem capable of defending with the same assurance.
India continue to struggle on turning wickets as evidenced in the loss against South Africa in Kolkata
Furthermore, he warned that India could not expect positive results on turning surfaces unless they tightened their approach, as the same weakness hurt them last year during the 0-3 loss to New Zealand.
Additionally, Ashwin expressed irritation with the pattern that keeps returning, because he believes the team has the tools to improve but lacks consistent preparation. He remarked that several overseas sides spend extended time working on spin before touring India, which leaves them better prepared for conditions that once favoured Indian sides. However, Ashwin believes Indian batters focus more on fast bowling outside the subcontinent, which creates an imbalance that opponents now exploit without hesitation.
“I am gonna stick my neck out and say in another game in an era where spin bowling was combated very well. I will take the names Amol Muzumdar and Mithun Manhas, who is the BCCI President, and I won’t take all the names, but Sachin Tendulkar in his prime, the God of Cricket,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
“If these guys had played on the same wicket against spin, this game would have gone to four days. In a total of 16 batters, only three to four players have defended well. If you want to play on turning tracks, then your game against spin has to be good; otherwise, don’t play on such pitches as simple.
“Most Western teams are better than India now because they come to India, they practice it a lot more, but we don’t practice enough of it. But we are superior players of fast bowling in many other venues right now because we consider that as a challenge, but not this. That is the difference,” Ashwin added.
Overall, it shows a team stuck in a loop, as issues with footwork, judgment, and decision-making keep appearing in high-pressure moments. Ashwin’s remarks carry weight, and they serve as a reminder that improvement requires intent, repetition, and discipline before the narrative shifts again.
