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IND stars hit nets with one pad as Gambhir opts for unique training to tackle SA spin threat

Abhinav Tyagi

Gautam Gambhir in training session - (Source: AFP)Gautam Gambhir in training session - (Source: AFP)

Team India are under heavy criticism after losing to South Africa in the first of the two-match Test series at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The netizens have slammed the hosts for a pathetic display and also raised their voice in unison to remove Gautam Gambhir from the red-ball coaching set-up.

Notably, the Shubman Gill-led side is struggling for stability as the management is constantly rotating the squad. However, presently, India are out of options as their regular skipper Shubman Gill is all but ruled out of the 2nd Test.

Gambhir's unique method ahead of 2nd Test

Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal are the front-runners to replace Gill. Photos and videos emerged from the training session, capturing Gambhir having a long conversation with both players.

However, in the latest events, Gambhir has gone viral for his unique training method. Notably, in the now viral clip, Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel were spotted practising spin in the nets with just a single pad on.

For the unversed, the Indian batter struggled against spin, which is why extra focus was on batters playing spin in the nets. However, this new method of just opting for back-leg padding quickly became the talking point on the internet.

Why did Sudharsan and Jurel practise with just one pad?

For starters, it is not a new method, but an old practice where the coaches ask their batters to bat with just one pad to tackle spin. What happens is that batters often develop the habit of bringing their front pad across the bat, which eventually results in LBW.

With just one pad, the batters fear injuring their spin, which eventually forces them to bring their bat in front of the front leg, which helps them tackle spin and also forces them to step out of the crease to take on the spinners. Thus, Sai Sudharsan and Jurel were asked to do the same and come out of their spin woes.