New Delhi, Nov 17 (NationPress) Former Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra attributed the team's 30-run defeat against South Africa in the inaugural Test at Eden Gardens to a lack of effective communication and insufficient guidance for the inexperienced batting lineup. He noted that a hasty approach during crucial moments also contributed to their downfall.

India faced the challenge of being a batter short after captain Shubman Gill retired hurt in the first innings due to a neck injury and was unable to bat during the chase. The highest score by an Indian player in the match was KL Rahul's 39 in the first innings. Mishra rejected claims that the pitch was solely responsible for the batting failure, emphasizing the need for players to improve their technical skills and mental resilience.

"This isn't the first instance where wickets like these have been presented under previous captains, leading to matches concluding in two to three days. It's not about the pitch; it's more about skill. Players must enhance their abilities. In England, you'll face swing and moisture, which necessitates skill improvement and mental fortitude," he stated.

"We’ve had such wickets in India before, and at times, we've had better surfaces to play on. However, this isn't a new occurrence – players need to adapt their skills and mindset based on the conditions. Strategies for batting must be reevaluated according to the pitch. Overall, enhancing the batting lineup is crucial."

Mishra also pointed out that the young batters must focus on their footwork and shot selection to succeed on challenging pitches. "It's primarily due to a lack of experience. This team is young, and building a robust unit will take time. Many players on this team are still developing. They need to manage their impulses better and refine their skills," he remarked.

“Communication is vital – senior players and coaches must engage with them. They need guidance on skill improvement, shot selection for different pitches, and which strokes to avoid, along with defensive strategies.”

"Footwork is crucial, especially on such wickets. When faced with this type of surface, it's imperative to instruct players on appropriate foot movement and shot selection against various bowlers. Effective communication is essential, as they are a young squad, and I believe this team will improve over the years because all players are talented," he elaborated.

When questioned about whether the lack of experience on spin-friendly domestic pitches has impacted the batters' ability to handle turning tracks in Tests, especially given their focus on white-ball games, Mishra proposed that increased domestic games between international commitments could enhance confidence.

"But there's a tendency for impulsiveness in this team, and young players need to be counseled about it. If opportunities arise to play domestically, they should take them, as it can bolster their confidence if they perform well," he advised.

Regarding the suggestion that India should prepare more balanced wickets instead of spin-friendly ones, Mishra concluded that skill enhancement should take precedence over blaming the conditions.

"Focus on your skills. It's easy to blame the wicket, but handling pressure and enhancing skills and footwork are essential. By doing so, players can learn how to score effectively on these pitches. Prioritize skill development before attributing issues to the wicket," he advised.

"This isn't the first time we've encountered such wickets or experienced a match concluding in just a couple of days. Before blaming the conditions, consider what can be improved for future performances. Can we bowl better? Can we run less? Can we bowl faster or bat more effectively? Concentrate on those aspects."