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The India National Cricket Team is currently playing the second Test match against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground (SSC) in Colombo. The Men in Blue have a strong hold after the end of day 4’s play. After the early end due to heavy rain, India’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule sheds light on India spinners bowling no-balls.
Shubman Gill's side provided a follow-on for the home side as the Lankan Lions sustained a follow-on and have taken a short lead; however, the loss for the home side is inevitable, as India needs just four wickets, with the home side struggling with a 16-run lead. Their hope is on Sonal Dinusha, who has been the standout performer in this series.
Sairaj Bahutule provides massive updates on Indian spinners bowling no-balls
In the series, Ravindra Jadeja has bowled four no-balls in the first Test match at Galle, and in this match he has bowled four no-balls so far. Apart from him, debutant Saransh Jain has also bowled six no-balls so far combined. Addressing the issue while speaking to the media, Sairaj Bahutule revealed that they are working on the no-ball issue.
“We are working on the no-balls. Yes, it is frustrating at times but be it Jadeja or Saransh or others, this is an area we are working on and are monitoring their game. It happens when a bowler is trying to put in extra effort.”
"That was planned to not let SL score runs quickly": Sairaj Bahutule reveals India's plan
Apart from speaking on the no-ball issue, he revealed some insights on India’s plan of handling the bowlers and not let the Sri Lanka batters score easy runs as the spin trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain knows their respective roles.
“We planned to hold on to the situation to avoid them score more runs quickly. Saransh Jain was bowling a lot quicker, Manav his own role. Jadeja generally does hold one end. So that was planned to not let SL score runs quickly.”
Sairaj Bahutule praises Saransh Jain after impressive debut
The team India’s spin bowling coach also praised debutant Saransh Jain, as the coach believes that the off-spinner had to wait for a long time to make his debut despite performances in domestic cricket, and has finally got his chance. The debutant bowled well, picked two wickets in the first innings and one in the second so far.
Sairaj Bahutule said, “Saransh has toiled in domestic cricket for a long time. He has got his due. There are nerves. You aren't going to be at ease when you are making your Test debut as you would in a domestic game. He was consistent with his line and length. He is a different bowler.”
“He doesn't have that overspin but has a side spin. He is a unique bowler. He brings that variety. He put in a fabulous effort. He picked up wickets and got us back in the game.”
“We were looking at the weather. Considering the weather around, there was no debate that we had to enforce the follow on. Yes, it is hard on the bowlers but all of them wanted the follow on.”
"It is an experience for Manav": Sairaj Bahutule on Manav Suthar being attacked
Manav Suthar, who did not have the best of times in the second Test after a brilliant first Test in Sri Lanka, as he has five wickets but has gone for runs. Sairaj Bahutule further revealed that it is a learning experience for the left-arm spinner who is just playing his third Test for the Men in Blue.
“It is an experience for Manav. This is his third Test. He's going to get different situations. He knew they are going to charge at him. He's a learning cricketer. What we like about him is his resilience. He always gives 100%... the batters also played some good shots.”
“Sonal has been a thorn for us. He has put in a very good effort. From Galle to here.”
“If a free hit comes in Test cricket, the percentage of no ball will definitely reduce. The take-off point is talked about. A process will be put forward to minimize it.”
