Coach Gary Kirsten bluntly said he did not think India’s batsmen had any serious problems against the short-pitched ball, but the South African is taking on chances.
On the second day of the four-day camp in Bangalore there was a distinct focus on how batsmen handled the short stuff. The second half of the day was devoted to a net session and India’s youngsters, especially Suresh Raina, were given a thorough workout.
Using a bowling machine and net bowlers who banged the ball in short, Kirsten, along with Sachin Tendulkar, paid attention to how Raina was playing the short ball. Tendulkar even showed Raina how to leave the ball and stressed on the need to maintain balance. Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni and Yusuf Pathan were subjected to the same treatment.