In the aftermath of India’s dominant whitewash against New Zealand, former cricketer and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu offered his insights into the art of playing spin. Known for his bold style both on and off the field, Sidhu broke down the key elements that contribute to mastering spin bowling—a skill that was notably showcased by Indian players throughout the series.
Source:- bbc news
Sidhu emphasized that understanding spin goes beyond just technique; it involves a sharp mind and the ability to read bowlers from the hand. According to him, the secret to handling spin lies in footwork and anticipation. He pointed out that Indian players tend to use their feet aggressively against spin, stepping out to get to the pitch of the ball, which limits the spinner’s control and forces them to change their length.
Source:- news 18
He further explained that balance is crucial, as it allows the batsman to adapt to the ball’s trajectory and pick the appropriate shot. Sidhu highlighted the importance of using the crease, particularly by employing the back foot to cut or punch balls that are slightly short. This skill, often mastered by subcontinental players, forces bowlers to think twice before bowling too full or short.
Sidhu also mentioned that a player’s confidence against spin is key. He praised the Indian team’s calmness and commitment to their shots, attributing it to their domestic exposure to quality spin attacks. Playing spin, he noted, is about understanding subtle variations like the top-spinner, slider, and googly, which India’s batsmen seemed to read well.
Sidhu concluded by saying that India’s mastery over spin has been instrumental in their recent successes, and he encouraged younger players to study the technique and adaptability shown by the Indian team. The performance against New Zealand, he added, reflects the depth of skill and adaptability required to excel against spin bowling.
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