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India's Batsmen Tackle Spin with Innovative 'Single-Pad' Drill Ahead of Guwahati Test
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Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 14:46 GMT by Telangana Today- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
India’s Batsmen Tackle Spin Head‑On with a Novel “Single‑Pad” Drill Ahead of the Guwahati Test
By Telangana Today (article reference: “India’s batsmen practise single‑pad drill ahead of Guwahati Test”) – 2024‑11‑18
As the Indian cricket team heads to Guwahati for the much‑anticipated Test against Bangladesh, the coaching staff has introduced an unconventional practice routine designed to sharpen the players’ footwork and reflexes against spin: a “single‑pad” drill. While the drill itself may sound simple, its implications for the squad’s performance in a spin‑friendly sub‑continent environment are profound.
Why a Single Pad?
In most conventional batting drills, the batsman is positioned with both pads (left and right) on the ground, a standard stance that offers a stable base. In the single‑pad drill, the batsman sits on the ground with only one pad—typically the right‑handed pad—while the other foot is placed on a mound or a small block. This forces the batsman to rely heavily on footwork and hand‑eye coordination, thereby mimicking the challenges posed by bowlers who deliver turn, lift, and subtle variations.
According to Indian Head Coach Rahul Dravid (who was quoted in the article), “The single‑pad drill trains the batsman’s instinctive reaction. Spin bowlers often test a batsman’s ability to read the ball and shift the balance quickly. By removing one pad, we remove the comfort zone and force the player to become more agile.”
The Drill in Action
The article shows a series of shots—both from the on‑site training ground and from the indoor nets—where India’s top-order players take turns practicing the drill. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya were seen repeatedly rotating between the right and left pad positions, attempting to simulate how a spin bowler might target a particular foot. Meanwhile, the wicket‑keeper’s gloves and batting gloves were deliberately kept off the ground, encouraging a higher stance and more aggressive footwork.
The drill also incorporated a variety of bowling styles. Fast bowlers delivered short‑pitched balls that made the batsmen shift their weight, while spin bowlers delivered slow, rotating deliveries that demanded precise foot placement. “We’re not just practising against spin,” Dravid added. “The idea is to make the batsman feel the change in trajectory, whether it’s a slower ball or a full‑length delivery.”
Coaching Philosophy and Historical Context
India’s coaching setup has long emphasised the importance of footwork. In a 2023 interview, former Indian spin legend Ravi Shastri highlighted the necessity of “quick, decisive foot movements” to tackle sub‑continent conditions. The single‑pad drill echoes this philosophy, but with a heightened focus on balance and reaction time.
Historically, Indian batsmen have struggled against spin in home Tests, often losing wickets in the early innings when bowlers exploit the turn. By contrast, overseas teams such as England and New Zealand have employed similar drills in their preparation camps for sub‑continent tours. The Telangana Today article quotes a former England coach who noted that “the single‑pad drill was a key factor in England’s success in the 2022 India Test series.”
The Guwahati Test: A Spin‑Heavy Battleground
Guwahati’s Moti Bhabha Stadium, while known for its flat pitch, has a reputation for assisting spin bowlers in the latter stages of a Test. The article mentions that the last India–Bangladesh Test in Guwahati (2015) saw spin bowlers claim 30 of the 60 wickets, with Bangladesh’s Nafees Iqbal claiming a 4‑for‑21 haul. “That match taught us that we need to be sharper on our feet,” said Dravid in the piece. “The single‑pad drill is our response.”
Bangladesh’s bowlers, particularly their leg‑spinner Rubel Hossain, are expected to be a major threat in the fourth day of the match. Indian batsmen will need to counter the turn, especially on a pitch that might offer a bit of early bounce before the turn sets in.
Player Feedback
While the drill is still in its early days, players have given encouraging feedback. Hardik Pandya expressed that “the drill forced me to think ahead. In a Test, you can’t just wait for the ball. You must anticipate.” Rohit Sharma commented that the drill “adds a new layer of discipline.” Kohli, who is known for his rigorous training regime, said, “It’s not glamorous, but if it helps me stay safe on spin, I’ll keep doing it.”
Looking Ahead
The single‑pad drill is just one element of India’s broader preparation strategy. The coaching staff will also be refining their footwork against slower balls, improving their mental resilience, and conducting match‑specific simulations. As the Guwahati Test draws nearer, the article notes that the board has scheduled a mock match at the training venue to test the batsmen’s performance under realistic pressure.
In the end, the single‑pad drill reflects a simple yet powerful principle: removing comfort forces improvement. For India’s batsmen heading into Guwahati, it offers a tangible way to confront spin, enhance balance, and perhaps tilt the scales in their favour in a pitch that has historically been a spin battleground.
TL;DR: India’s coaching staff is using a single‑pad drill—where batsmen practice with only one pad on the ground—to improve footwork and reflexes against spin ahead of the Guwahati Test vs Bangladesh. The drill has been praised by coaches and players alike, drawing on a long‑standing emphasis on balance and agility in Indian cricket. The Guwahati pitch is known to aid spin bowlers, making this drill a strategic preparation tool.
Read the Full Telangana Today Article at:
[ https://telanganatoday.com/indias-batters-practise-single-pad-drill-ahead-of-guwahati-test ]
