Navjot Singh Sidhu shares step-by-step guidance for Indian batters to counter spin after New Zealand’s loss

On Wednesday, November 6, former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu expanded on his previously published spin-playing tips by providing Indian batters with a four-point “playbook.” In response to some of the queries posed by the Kiwi tweakers during the just finished series, the cricketer-turned-commentator offered some helpful strategies for dealing with spin.

Recently, New Zealand became the first team to defeat India 3-0 on Indian territory. Ajaz Patel claimed 11 wickets in the third Test in Mumbai, while Mitchell Santner claimed 13 in the second Test in Pune. On grounds that were favorable for spin bowling, Indian hitters had no defense against their skill.

Former India batsman Navjot Singh Sidhu offered some strategies to help the Indian batters get better after they performed appallingly against the Kiwi spinners.

“Step out often to the spinner to clutter his mind, keep him guessing,” was the first piece of advice Sidhu gave. He contends that hitters might thwart the bowler’s plans by moving down the pitch and upsetting their rhythm. In a continuation of this strategy, his second point urges hitters to dance down the track just at the bowler’s point of delivery, or the “point of no return.” It comes with instinct and hours of practice, Sidhu emphasized. “Make sure you step out when he is at a point of no return (point of delivery.”

Keep a close eye on bowlers’ wrists: Navjot Singh Sidhu

In keeping with his recommendations, the 61-year-old advised the hitters to keep a tight eye on the ball from the hand before it is delivered.

In order to help hitters predict which way the ball will spin and modify their response appropriately, Sidhu said, “Watch his wrist like a hawk till the end [to] code the delivery.” Last but not least, Sidhu suggested a slight forward motion to keep both front and back foot shots open for exploration. He clarified, saying that committing too early can put the batter in danger.

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“A small initial forward movement allows you to play the ball late and adjust going back and forth,” he said. “You’re at the bowler’s mercy—a dying duck in a thunderstorm—if you lunge or commit,” he said.

Playing spin on turning tracks – 1 stepping out often to the spinner to clutter his mind , keep him guessing…. 2 ensure that you step out when he is at a point of no return (point of delivery) , it comes with instinct and hours of practice 3 watch his wrist like a hawk till the… https://t.co/2Y0vXuSLmt

— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) November 6, 2024

Navjot Sidhu on how to read spinners and hit them out. pic.twitter.com/VCQS4F0Vnr

— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) November 4, 2024

India will now go to Australia for a five-match Test trip instead of playing a home red-ball series during the 2023–25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. But in the far future, the Indian batters might find Sidhu’s guidance useful.