Former New Zealand speedster Simon Doull opened up on the Indian batters’ struggle to adapt to playing spin during Day 2 of the second India vs New Zealand Test in Pune. His comments came after the hosts collapsed in their first innings to be bowled out for a dismal 156 as well. However, the Kiwi spin duo of Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips claimed nine out of the ten wickets with the former finishing with career-best Test figures of 7/53 in 19.3 overs as well.

Speaking on Sports18 as quoted by India Today, Doull said: “There is a misconception that India are good at playing spin. They are like everyone else. Gone are the days of Sachin, Ganguly, or Dravid. Now, they are the same as everyone else. As soon as a good spinner comes in, they are in trouble. We saw that in the IPL, as soon as the ball started to spin, they were in trouble and started complaining.”

However, another former New Zealand cricketer Ian Smith also felt India’s first innings performance in the ongoing second Test was even worse than Bengaluru.

“Well, this is worse that 46 all out if you ask me. This is some poor batting and shot selection. I can understand the first Test, but instead of playing themselves in, batting for time, India for some reason, are going after the bowling. They think they can just bash this New Zealand bowling line-up. This is only Day 2 of the Test match. There is ample time to go but the way India are playing, none of them are going to be here that long,” he said.