India’s newly-appointed spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule found himself at the receiving end of criticism after Ravi Bishnoi bowled two no-balls in the slog overs that led to a defeat to England in second T20I of the series. Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has blamed Bahutule for not working on Bishnoi's wide run-up which led to two back-foot no-balls in the 17th over. Sivaramakrishnan considers bowling a no-ball a crime for a spinner. He feels Bahutule should've noticed the room for error in Bishnoi's run-up and corrected it.
"A spinner should not be bowling a no-ball. It's a crime. And for him to bowl a back-foot no-ball, cutting the return crease, is something that should have been noticed in the nets. Sairaj should have first noticed his run-up and looked at whether he was overstepping or cutting the return crease. First thing you look at is bowling a legal delivery, and then bowling a legally good delivery," Shivramakrishnan told PTI.
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Shivaramakrishnan is of opinion that Bishnoi lacked guidance going into the series. he recalled how legendary spinners Bhagwath Chandrasekar and Anil Kumble hardly bowled no-balls. He pointed out that leg-spinners shouldn't be used as defensive options but to attack.
Bishnoi’s expensive over, Iyer minces no words
In the last four overs, England needed 49 runs with Jacob Bethell not at his best whereas Sam Curran was new to the crease. Bishnoi started with a no ball and was hit for a six by Bethell on free hit. Then, he bowled another no-ball as Bethell deposited another one into the crowd at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. Bethell hit a four and another six in the over that leaked 29 runs.
In the post-match presentation, skipper Shreyas Iyer minced no words as he labelled Bishnoi’s over as the turning point. However, before the 17th over, he had conceded 31 runs from three overs. He did not use the services of Shivam Dube to bowl at the death despite him being in form with the ball.
Sivaramakrishnan would consider India A, CoE coaching job
Sivaramakrishnan went on to say that spinners should bowl in the middle overs. On being asked whether he would like to consider the coaching role, he replied that he intends to nurture young talent. Instead of being with the senior team, he wants to work with India A or at the Centre of Excellence where he could improve their technique, approach and a better mindset.
Will Bishnoi retain his place?
There is a question mark on whether Bishnoi will hold his spot for the third T20I of the series at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. India can bring back Washington Sundar or test Prince Yadav in English conditions. In the current team, Shivam Dube and Abhishek Sharma are capable of delivering a few overs as well.