India's spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has confirmed that targeted technical work is underway to address a persistent overstepping problem within the bowling unit, while half-jokingly suggesting that introducing free-hits in Test cricket would be the most effective deterrent. His remarks came after Indian spinners conceded 10 no-balls during the ongoing second Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo — the highest tally by a spin unit in a single match since 2021.

The No-Ball Problem

Debutant off-spinner Saransh Jain and senior left-arm spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja were the primary offenders, drawing scrutiny over whether crease discipline is being adequately enforced during practice sessions. The figure of 10 no-balls from spinners alone marks a worrying lapse in a format where every delivery counts and no-balls can gift opposition batters a second life.

Bahutule was candid about the concern but contextualised it within the competitive pressure bowlers face. 'It is something we have been working on. It is a concern, but generally, when the bowler is putting in that effort, trying to see how he can create that opportunity and get a wicket in situations where wickets are not coming, he has a tendency to push himself,' he told reporters at the post-day press conference. He was equally clear that effort is not an excuse: 'But this is not an excuse. A lot of work has been put in with Jadeja, and with Saransh, about where the take-off point is.'

The Free-Hit Suggestion

When asked how the no-ball error could be systematically eliminated from the longest format, Bahutule offered a remedy drawn from limited-overs cricket. 'I am no guardian of the rules, but if a free-hit comes, obviously, no-balls will definitely be reduced. No team would want to bowl those no-balls and give that extra ball and give those extra runs,' he said. The comment, delivered with a degree of humour, nonetheless reflects a genuine frustration — the current penalty for a no-ball in Tests (one run and a re-bowl) is considered a relatively mild deterrent compared to the free-hit rule in white-ball formats, which exposes the fielding side to an uncatchable delivery.

Monitoring at the Nets

Bahutule dismissed any suggestion that practice sessions lack rigour on this front. 'Reminders are given during nets also. It is similar to a match situation. We take every session seriously; it is monitored from the side view,' he said. He added that coaching staff, including himself, take turns standing as umpires during net sessions to enforce crease discipline for both spinners and fast bowlers. 'We are monitoring spinners and fast bowlers. So, we definitely give importance to it and work on it,' he stated.

Jain's Debut Assessed

Despite the no-ball concerns, Bahutule was generous in his assessment of Saransh Jain's maiden Test appearance. He noted that the off-spinner showed considerable character in the face of aggressive counter-attacking batting from Sri Lanka's middle order, including resistance from Sonal Dinusha. 'He toiled in domestic cricket and got his due. Making a Test debut is special, and there were nerves. He showed a lot of character despite certain decisions not going his way, and was consistent in his line and length,' Bahutule said. He also distinguished Jain's bowling style — 'He doesn't have over-spin but has side-spin' — and praised the collective discipline of India's spin group: 'Saransh was defensive, Manav Suthar played his role, and Jadeja was tight.'

With the second Test still live, all eyes will be on whether India's spinners can tighten their crease discipline in the remaining play and convert pressure into wickets without gifting Sri Lanka bonus deliveries.