IND vs SA first ODI: We are trying to find ways how we can play spin bowling better, says Rahul

Captain K.L. Rahul is seen during a press conference ahead of the first ODI against South Africa in Ranchi on November 29, 2025
| Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy

Stand in captain K.L. Rahul admitted that the Indian team has struggled against spin, in the wake of the home Test defeats to New Zealand and South Africa.

“Obviously we have not been able to play spin bowling well in the last two Test series. We understand and recognise that. We are already trying to find ways how we can play spin bowling better,” Rahul said at a press conference on the eve of the first India-South Africa ODI in Ranchi.

Rahul added that his team is open to reaching out to past masters like Sunil Gavaskar on how to effectively tackle spinners.

Rahul’s own troubles against slow bowlers came to the fore in the second innings of the second Test at Guwahati, when he lunged forward to off-spinner Simon Harmer and lost his stumps. The dismissal came about as a result of bad execution, Rahul said.

“There’s no regret of not trying a different shot. There’s a regret of executing. At that stage, it was the last few overs of the day. I don’t think that is the right time for me to try and step down and hit the bowler for a boundary. I think defending was the right option, which I didn’t do well enough,” Rahul said.

The Karnataka cricketer stated that he was happy to play in M.S. Dhoni’s home town. “We’ve all played under Dhoni. We’ve all been his fans. We’ve played together. We’re all friends. If he comes to watch the match, the players and the crowd will get more excited,” Rahul said.

Published – November 29, 2025 03:00 pm IST