After a 30-run defeat in the opening Test at Eden Gardens, India faces a fresh challenge in the second Test against South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati. To prepare for the spin threat, India has turned to an unconventional option: ambidextrous Bengal spinner Kaushik Maity.

A New Approach to Spin

In the first Test, South Africa's spin duo of Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj dismantled India’s batting lineup in the fourth innings, bowling them out for just 93, their lowest fourth-innings score in a home Test. To help the Indian batters better prepare for the spin challenge, India brought in Maity for a match-simulation practice session. The 26-year-old spinner, who can bowl both off-spin and left-arm spin, was seen as a useful addition to the team’s preparations for the second Test.

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