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Former great captain of the Indian cricket team and 1983 World Cup winner Kapil Dev has given a big statement about the ability of Indian batsmen on the challenging pitches of Sri Lanka. Kapil Dev's words clearly indicate that if Indian batsmen do not improve their traditional style and technique against spin balls, then Team India's batting order can collapse badly on the turning and slow pitches of Sri Lanka. In the modern era, amidst the increasing influence of T20 cricket and the competition to play aggressive shots, this assessment of Kapil Dev is being considered as a big warning for the Indian team management and fans.

Falling level against spin: Kapil Dev raised questions on batting technique

During a recent conversation, Kapil Dev expressed deep regret that Indian batsmen, who were historically considered to be the best players of spin bowling in the world, are seen struggling on turning tracks today. He said that modern Indian batsmen are adept at playing big shots in T20 and on flat pitches, but when the ball turns and grips, they do not seem to have the defensive technique and patience to use their feet properly. In conditions like Sri Lanka, where the ball will turn from the very first over, playing big shots without solid footwork can prove risky.

Sri Lanka's slow and helpful pitches: The real test for the Indian top-order

Sri Lanka's home grounds have always been known for pitches that support quality spinners. The pitches at Rangiri Dambulla, Galle and Premadasa Stadium in Colombo are very slow, where the mystery and left-arm finger spinners keep the batsmen in a bind. Kapil Dev believes that if the current top and middle order of the Indian team will try to play only from the perspective of hitting fours and sixes, then Sri Lanka's slow and clever spinners will easily trap them. To be successful in Sri Lanka, it is essential to rotate the strike and reach the pitch of the ball by coming in or out of the crease.

Advice to get out of T20 mentality and go back to basics

The former legendary all-rounder has advised that Indian batsmen need to return to their basic batting techniques. Not every match can be won just by adopting an aggressive approach, especially when the conditions favor the bowlers. According to Kapil Dev, batsmen will have to learn to come in line with the ball and play with soft hands, as the great Indian batsmen used to do in the past. If the players of Team India do not take this challenge seriously, then the defeat in Sri Lanka can become a big lesson for them.