Team India’s heavy Test-series defeat against South Africa has triggered intense criticism from fans, former cricketers, and the media. One glaring issue has once again come into focus — a weakness that has been growing year after year with no clear remedy in sight: Indian batsmen struggling against spin. The concern has become so evident that even senior players are openly acknowledging it. Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has admitted that he, too, has no answer to this recurring problem.

India suffered back-to-back defeats in Kolkata and Guwahati. The team failed to chase even 124 runs in Kolkata, losing inside two and a half days, and then endured the biggest Test defeat in India’s history in Guwahati, where South Africa won by 408 runs to seal a clean sweep. In both matches, Indian batters were undone by spin, raising serious questions about their technique and temperament.

Rahul admits uncertainty
Speaking a day before the ODI series in Ranchi, Rahul accepted that India’s batting against spin has deteriorated over the last three to four years. He himself has struggled against quality spin and did not shy away from acknowledging the issue.

Responding to a question about this weakness, Rahul said, “We haven’t been able to play spin well in the last few seasons. The truth is, I don’t know how we used to do it earlier or why we can’t do it now. I don’t have the answer. All we can do is try to improve — individually and as a batting group.”

His statement reflects the widespread concern within the team camp as India prepares for upcoming fixtures, with spin bowling expected to remain a major challenge.