'With so many left-handers, finger spin is the problem': India coach sounds alarm before Super 8
Times of India
by GAURAV GUPTAFebruary 20, 2026
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India’s cricket team has shown impressive form in the World Cup, remaining unbeaten in the league phase. However, their performance against spin bowling, particularly finger spin, has raised concerns ahead of the Super 8 stage. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate acknowledged that India’s reliance on left-handed batters, including Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma, makes them vulnerable to spin attacks. This issue was highlighted during their matches against teams like the Netherlands and Pakistan, where spinners exploited their weaknesses effectively.
India has struggled to score at a run rate of just over seven against 42 overs of spin in the tournament so far, with spinners claiming 15 Indian wickets. The problem is compounded by the lack of strong batting performances from their top three, who have been unable to dominate spin bowling. Ten Doeschate emphasized that this challenge will intensify in the Super 8 stage, where India will face formidable opponents like South Africa, West Indies, and Zimbabwe, all of whom possess potent spin attacks.
The coach also pointed out that the larger grounds and slower wickets in venues like Ahmedabad and Colombo
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/20/2026