India’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has acknowledged that the team is working to address the recurring no-ball issue after Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Saransh Jain bowled several illegal deliveries during the ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. India remain in a commanding position at the end of Day 4 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground. After taking a sizeable first-innings lead, Shubman Gill’s side enforced the follow-on, leaving Sri Lanka in a difficult position. The hosts are 16 runs ahead with only four wickets remaining, while India continue to push for a 2-0 series sweep.

Sri Lanka’s hopes are largely resting on Sonal Dinusha, who has been one of their standout performers throughout the series. However, India remain firmly in control and need only four more wickets to complete the victory. The repeated no-balls from India’s spinners have been one of the few concerns for the visitors. Jadeja bowled four no-balls in the first Test at Galle and has added another four in Colombo. Saransh Jain, playing his first Test, has also bowled six no-balls across the two matches.

Sairaj Bahutule admitted that the issue can be frustrating but insisted that the coaching staff is closely monitoring the bowlers and working on correcting the problem. “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,” Bahutule said.

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The spin bowling coach also explained India’s strategy during Sri Lanka’s first innings. With the hosts looking to score quickly and build partnerships, Jadeja, Manav Suthar and Jain were given clearly defined roles to control the scoring rate. “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,” he explained.

Bahutule was particularly pleased with Jain’s performance on Test debut. The off-spinner had spent several years performing consistently in domestic cricket before finally earning his opportunity at the international level.

“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,” Bahutule said. He also highlighted Jain’s unique bowling style, pointing out that the youngster relies more on side spin than conventional overspin. “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,” he added.

The decision to enforce the follow-on was also influenced heavily by the weather conditions in Colombo. With rain already interrupting play, India did not want to waste valuable time by batting again.

“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,” Bahutule revealed. He also backed Suthar, who has found the second Test more challenging after an impressive performance in the series opener.

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The left-arm spinner has claimed five wickets in Colombo but has also conceded runs while Sri Lanka’s batters have attacked him. “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,” Bahutule said.

On India’s recurring no-ball problem, Bahutule suggested that the team would continue working on the bowlers’ take-off points and their overall process to reduce such mistakes. “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,” he concluded.