Twice in the space of 12 months, India have endured a whitewash in a Test series at home. Their batters have been exposed and found lacking the technique and skill required to deal with bowlers on tracks conducive for spin bowling. It’s a far cry from the days when Indian batters were known for their prowess in taming spinners.

Besides the natural ability, the willingness to obsessively address weaknesses and counter the strategies employed against them was their hallmark. Former India batter Navjot Singh Sidhu has recalled an incident from his playing days involving Sachin Tendulkar that showed how committed the batting legend was to the game.

During a Test against Sri Lanka, all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya, who bowled left-arm spin, frustrated Tendulkar by bowling a negative line and the

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