Team India Wary of Spin against Pakistan

Ajinkya Rahane in training at the Eden Gardens on Thursday. Image Source: Xtra Time
Ajinkya Rahane in a training session at the Eden Gardens on Thursday. Image Source: Xtra Time

Kolkata: Indians are just finding it difficult to come to terms after the shock defeat at the hands of Kiwis. More so the meek surrender against the New Zealand spin trio of Mitchell Santner, Nathan McCullum and Ish Sodhi have not sunk in even after 48 hours of the match. Santner, Sodhi and McCullum together were accountable for 9 Indian wickets as they mesmerized the Indian batsmen on a spin friendly track at the VCA stadium.

Indian team was scheduled to have a full practice session today morning but as Pakistan had already planned their training schedule before, Indian team had to opt for an optional practice session. Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane and Pawan Negi were present at training today while the others preferred to stay in the hotel . Sanjay Bangar and Raghuvendra gave throw downs to Suresh Raina . The left hander was specifically given short ball practice given his weakness to short stuff aimed at his ribs . Team India Director Ravi Shastri constantly kept an eye on him .

With India not doing well against spin in recent times, Dhoni and his batsmen will be looking forward to come good against the likes of Imad Wasim, Shoaib Malik and co. Left arm spinner Imad Wasim has been impressive for Pakistan so far with best figures of 4/11 against Zimbabwe in 2015 at Harare. He also can be a little tricky like Santner.

Pawan Negi was called in to bowl a few deliveries in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja who went to attend a relative who is hospitalised in the city.