Spin fix and selection switch: India's dilemma in Chennai

India's recent squad decisions have been defined by problem-solving. Shubman Gill was dropped, Ishan Kishan was brought in for Sanju Samson. However, with issues accumulating and a 15-man squad, solutions are becoming thin and often feel like recycled fixes.

Five games into the World Cup, India's top-order is struggling. Batting against spin has become a major weakness. In the two years leading to the tournament, India had the best average (39.11) and strike rate (159.89) against spin among full-member teams. Now, in the World Cup, they average 17.52 with a strike rate of 120.65—the second-worst among full-member teams.

Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav, India's No. 3 and 4, have been significant offenders. Suryakumar has scored 79 off 74 balls against spin (SR: 106.75), while Tilak has managed 45 off 48 (SR: 93.75).

During a practice session, both batters spent nearly an hour in the spin nets against Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Abhishek Sharma. They focused on aggressive scoring shots, hitting sixes down the ground and playing inside-out. Gautam Gambhir observed and offered advice, particularly to Tilak on his off-side shots.

They consistently stepped out against Abhishek Sharma and attacked full deliveries, while also playing cuts and pulls to avoid getting stuck. How they translate this practice into the upcoming matches will be crucial.

After the loss to South Africa, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted at possible top-order changes, including reintroducing Sanju Samson for tactical balance with a right-hander.

While Varma and Suryakumar worked on spin, Samson batted with Ishan Kishan in the fast bowlers' nets, showing power despite some technical triggers. Later, Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar also had batting sessions.

Rinku Singh was absent due to a family emergency, potentially opening a spot for tactical adjustments.

Given the struggles against South Africa and the challenging pitches, India might consider bolstering the top order with Samson or adding both Axar and Washington, using Axar as a situational floater.

India has multiple options to address their issues. Whatever they choose, they will hope it reinforces their problem-solving reputation.